What is a Geostationary Satellite?
A geostationary satellite is any satellite which is placed in a geostationary orbit. Satellites in geostationary orbit maintain a constant position relative to the surface of the earth. Geostationary satellites do this by orbiting the earth approximately 22,300 miles above the equator. This orbital path is called the Clarke Belt, in honor of Arthur C. Clarke.
Geostationary satellites are positioned at an exact height above the earth (about 36000 Km). At this height they rotate around the earth at the same speed as the earth rotates around its axis, so in effect remaining stationary above a point on the earth (normally directly overhead the equator). As they remain stationary they are ideal for use as communications satellites and also for remote imaging as they can repeatedly scan the same points on the earth beneath them. Polar Orbiting satellites by comparison have a much lower orbit, moving around the earth fairly rapidly, and scanning different areas of the earth at relatively infrequent periods.
Related Questions
- What vertical resolution of the geostationary satellite data is required to significantly improve model-based quantitative precipitation forecasts?
- Where, relative to the horizon, would a geostationary satellite appear to an observer standing at the North Pole?
- What itll the radious of geostationary satellite on jupiter?
