Geosynchronous Love
Want a nerdy way to say “I love you” on Feb. 14? This Valentine is just for you! It references one of the three types of Earth satellite orbits: high Earth orbit. As explained by NASA’s Earth Observatory, when a satellite reaches 22,369 miles (36,000 kilometers) from the Earth’s surface, its orbit matches our planet’s rotation. Since the satellite is orbiting at the same speed as the Earth is turning, it appears to stay in place over a single longitude.
This high Earth orbit is called “geosynchronous,” per NASA.
Download the printable version here.
