Geostationary satellite

In the picture

1. 1The satellite high above the equator: it completes one orbit in one day and stays over the same region.
2. 2The arrow around the planet: Earth turning once every 24 hours.
3. 3The coastal region below the satellite: the fixed area the satellite remains above.
4. 4The dish aimed upward: it sends signals to the satellite and receives signals back.
5. 5The clouds over the coastal region: weather conditions the satellite observes from above.

Examples

• A satellite TV dish on a house points at a satellite that stays over the same part of the sky.
• Weather maps use images from satellites that keep watching the same ocean or land area.

Quiz: Geostationary satellite (Age 13)

1. 1

   How long does a geostationary satellite take to complete one orbit around Earth?

   • 24 hours
   • 6 hours
   • 12 hours
2. 2

   Why can a ground dish stay pointed at a geostationary satellite without moving?

   • Because the satellite moves faster than Earth turns
   • Because the satellite only orbits at night
   • Because the satellite stays above the same spot on Earth
3. 3

   What can a geostationary satellite relay between a region and other places?

   • Road traffic and forest fires
   • Television, phone, and weather signals
   • Ocean tides and earthquakes

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This lesson has left the free week, so its quiz is part of the subscription.