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| {{Status|Canon}}
| | [[Image:Geosynchronous1.GIF|thumb|right|A diagram of a [[Geosynchronous]] orbit]] |
| {{references}}
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| {{Wikipedia}}
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| [[File:Geosynchronous1.GIF|thumb|A diagram of a geosynchronous orbit]] | |
| A '''geosynchronous orbit''' is an orbit around a planet with an orbital period matching the planet's sidereal rotation period. The term geosynchronous can be used to describe any orbital pattern with a period equal to that of its orbiting body, and in the same direction as the parent's rotation, but is specifically used for orbits with no inclination and a semimajor axis of equal length to the minor axis (i.e. circular). Satellites in geosynchronous orbits appear to maintain their longitude, while their latitude oscillates in a 24-hour period. The geosynchronous orbit over the equator is called the '''geostationary orbit'''. Satellites in the geostationary orbit appear stationary relative to the planet's surface.
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| ==Uses==
| | A satellite or spacecraft in an orbit above the equator, revolving at a rate of speed synchronous with that of the earth's rotation so that it always stays above the same place on the earth's surface. |
| [[Orbital defense platform]]s in particular make use of geosynchronous orbits to protect the planet they orbit from attack.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Armory]]''</ref> The terminus stations of [[space elevator]]s are also anchored to a geosynchronous, near-geostationary orbit.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/locations/gallery/space-tether/e9b2f438-9b5b-477e-8e52-d4e6801e9d5b '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Space Tether'']</ref>
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| ==Sources==
| | Some spacecraft and Orbital Defence Platforms use this orbit to maxamise there coverage of broadcasts or to protect a certain area of a planet. |
| {{Ref/Sources}}
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| [[Category:Astronomy]]
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