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VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Physics => Topic started by: qshyrn on March 14, 2010, 02:20:24 pm

Title: geostationary satellite
Post by: qshyrn on March 14, 2010, 02:20:24 pm

why is it not possible to place a satellite in orbit so its always above melbourne?

the book says:The centre of the circular orbit of a satellite must be the centre of the Earth., but i still dont understand

Title: Re: geostationary satellite
Post by: appianway on March 14, 2010, 02:31:16 pm

It must go in a circle around the centre of mass. If it were to go around over the centre of mass with melbourne on it's orbit, it wouldn't be travelling in the same direction as the the rotation of the earth, and hence would chance its relative position.

Title: Re: geostationary satellite
Post by: qshyrn on March 14, 2010, 03:06:27 pm

Quote from: appianway on March 14, 2010, 02:31:16 pm

It must go in a circle around the centre of mass. If it were to go around over the centre of mass with melbourne on it's orbit, it wouldn't be travelling in the same direction as the the rotation of the earth, and hence would chance its relative position.

thanks, i get it now. i forgot taht the earth rotates r9ound its own axis