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{{Era|CH|H2|GOO}}
{{Status|Canon}}
[[Image:Geosynchronous1.GIF|thumb|right|A diagram of a Geosynchronous orbit]]
{{references}}
{{Wikipedia}}
[[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.  
==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>


This synchronization means that for an observer at a fixed location on [[Earth]], a satellite in a geosynchronous orbit returns to exactly the same place in the sky at exactly the same time each day. In principle, any orbit with a period equal to the planet's rotational period is technically geosynchronous, however, the term is almost always used to refer to the special case of a geosynchronous orbit that is circular (or nearly circular) and at zero (or nearly zero) inclination, that is, directly above the equator. This is sometimes called a geostationary orbit.
==Sources==
 
{{Ref/Sources}}
[[Orbital Defence Platform]]s in particular make use of geostationary orbits to protect certain ground regions from attack; [[Cairo Station]], for example, orbited directly over the city of Cairo, taking its name. The Athens Station also orbited above the Greek city of Athens. Other satellites orbit in traditional geosynchronous orbits, returning to the same point in orbit every rotation of the [[Earth]].


[[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]

  1. ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Armory
  2. ^ Halo Waypoint: Space Tether
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