Geostationary orbit
geostationary orbit
(jē’ō-stā’shə-něr’ē)
A circular orbit positioned approximately 35,900 km (22,258 mi) above Earth’s equator and having a period of the same duration and direction as the rotation of the Earth. An object in this orbit will appear stationary relative to the rotating Earth. Communications and weather satellites are usually placed in a geostationary orbit. See also synchronous orbit.
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[jee-uh-strof-ik, -stroh-fik] /ˌdʒi əˈstrɒf ɪk, -ˈstroʊ fɪk/ adjective 1. of or relating to the balance between the Coriolis force and the horizontal pressure force in the atmosphere. /ˌdʒiːəʊˈstrɒfɪk/ adjective 1. of, relating to, or caused by the force produced by the rotation of the earth: geostrophic wind
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/ˌdʒiːəʊˈstrætədʒɪ/ noun 1. the study of geopolitics and strategics, esp as they affect the analysis of a region
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noun 1. a wind whose velocity and direction are mathematically defined by the balanced relationship of the pressure gradient force and the Coriolis force: conceived as blowing parallel to isobars.
- Geosynchronous
[jee-oh-stey-shuh-ner-ee] /ˌdʒi oʊˈsteɪ ʃəˌnɛr i/ adjective 1. of or relating to a satellite traveling in an orbit 22,300 miles (35,900 km) above the earth’s equator: at this altitude, the satellite’s period of rotation, 24 hours, matches the earth’s and the satellite always remains in the same spot over the earth: geostationary orbit. /ˌdʒiːəʊˈsɪŋkrənəs/ adjective 1. […]
- Geosynchronous satellite
A satellite that orbits the Earth at an altitude of about 22,000 miles. At this altitude, the satellite circles the Earth every twenty-four hours, so that it remains “stationary” over a particular spot on the surface. Note: This type of satellite is very useful in communications because it can remain in continuous contact with a […]