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Why does a satellite stay in orbit instead of crashing to the ground?
Satellites don’t fall from the sky because they are orbiting Earth. Even when satellites are thousands of miles away, Earth’s gravity still tugs on them. Gravity–combined with the satellite’s momentum from its launch into space–cause the satellite go into orbit above Earth, instead of falling back down to the ground.
How does a satellite in geostationary orbit appear to an observer on Earth?
An object in such an orbit has an orbital period equal to the Earth’s rotational period, one sidereal day, and so to ground observers it appears motionless, in a fixed position in the sky.
Why a geostationary satellite must be placed vertically above the equator?
A geostationary satellite has an inclination of zero degrees. That means it is over the equator. The satellite is always over the equator and has a period equal to the rotation rate of the Earth, so the satellite appears to float over one spot.
How do geostationary satellites stay in the correct position?
Because the satellite orbits at the same speed that the Earth is turning, the satellite seems to stay in place over a single longitude, though it may drift north to south. Satellites in geostationary orbit rotate with the Earth directly above the equator, continuously staying above the same spot.
What is a geostationary satellite?
A geostationary satellite is a satellite in geostationary orbit, with an orbital period the same as the Earth’s rotation period. The geostationary orbit is a circular orbit directly above the Earth’s equator. How high above the Earth’s surface must the geostationary satellite be placed into orbit?
What is the difference between a geostationary orbit and a geo?
The satellites are pinpoint, while stars have created small trails due to Earth’s rotation. A geostationary orbit, often referred to as a geosynchronous equatorial orbit (GEO), is a circular geosynchronous orbit 35,786 km (22,236 mi) above Earth’s equator and following the direction of Earth’s rotation.
Why do satellites have different orbits?
Satellites have different orbits because their orbits depend on what each satellite is designed to accomplish. Video showing the difference between a geostationary orbit and a polar orbit.
What is the geosynchronous orbit used for?
This is called a geosynchronous orbit. Satellites need to be very far away from earth and above the equator to rotate in this kind of orbit. This orbit allows the GOES-R series satellites to constantly scan the earth for severe weather as it develops while also monitoring the sun.