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To: Mrs. Don-o

It’s impossible for a satellite to orbit over the US, or any other point that’s not at the equator.

“Geostationary” satellites are in an orbit aligned with the equator, and have a 24-hour orbital period.

“Geosynchronous” satellites are in an orbit with a 24-hour orbital period, but are not aligned with the equator, thus maintaining a position over a constant longitude, drifting north and south over that longitude every 24 hours.


51 posted on 04/27/2016 2:31:50 PM PDT by DuncanWaring (The Lord uses the good ones; the bad ones use the Lord.)
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To: DuncanWaring

Thank you — now I’ve learned something. May your accuracy prevail!


55 posted on 04/27/2016 2:39:14 PM PDT by Mrs. Don-o (We're getting so educated, ignorance will be a novelty. I'll belong to the select few. - Will Rogers)
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