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[[File:Geosynchronous1.GIF|thumb|right|A diagram of a Geosynchronous orbit]]
[[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.
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.


[[Orbital defense platform|Orbital Defense Platforms]] in particular make use of geosynchronous orbits to protect certain ground regions from attack; [[Cairo Station]], for example, orbited over the city of Cairo, taking its name. The Athens Station orbited above the [[Greece|Greek]] city of [[Athens (city)|Athens]]. Other satellites, predominately telecommunication satellites, orbit in traditional geostationary orbits, holding over the same point during every rotation of the [[Earth]]. The terminus stations of [[Space elevator|Space Elevators]] are also anchored to a geosynchronous, near-geostationary orbit.
==Uses==
[[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>


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
[[Category:Astronomy]]
[[Category:Astronomy]]

Latest revision as of 10:47, April 12, 2023

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There is more information available on this subject at Geosynchronous orbit on the English Wikipedia.
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.

Uses[edit]

Orbital defense platforms in particular make use of geosynchronous orbits to protect the planet they orbit from attack.[1] The terminus stations of space elevators are also anchored to a geosynchronous, near-geostationary orbit.[2]

Sources[edit]