Ask a Question
or
Create a Poll
  1. Home /
  2. Questions /
  3. Science
  4. / Physical Sciences
  5. / Space And Astronomy
  6. / Artificial Satellites

by mukesh kumar on December 7th, 2004

mukesh kumar

Question

Help answer this question below.

What is the difference between geostationary and geosynchronous satellites?

  • Like
  • Report
Share:
Other

Answers. Showing one answer.

  • by Jeremiah Britt on December 7th, 2004

    Jeremiah Britt

    Geostationary is for a satellite to appear to remain perfectly stationary in the sky as seen from earth. In order for this to happen, it's orbital period must perfectly match the earth's 23 hour 56 minute day. As an added qualifier it must also be exactly above the equator (inclination of 0).

    Since to keep a satellite perfectly geostationary for a long amount of time would require too much fuel (in compensation for the gravity fields of other nonstationary bodies, the sun and moon) most satellites are geosynchronous, which allows for some deviation.

    In other words, geostationary is a perfectly spherical soap bubble and geosynchronous is your best attempt to make a ball out of play dough.

    Comments
    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

Want to attach an image to your answer? Click here.

Did this answer your question? If not, then ask a new question or create a poll.

More Questions. Additional questions in this category.

You're reading What is the difference between geostationary and geosynchronous satellites?

Follow us on Facebook!

Related Ads

Related Questions

Professionally Researched

Answerbag

a Demand Media company