Question Details

A geostationary satellite revolves round the earth from

Options

A

East to West

B

West to East

C

North to South

D

South to North

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option B

West to East

Solution :

The correct option is West to East.

To understand why this is the correct answer, let us look at the definition and purpose of a geostationary satellite:
A geostationary satellite is an earth-orbiting satellite placed at an altitude of approximately 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) directly over the equator. It is called "geostationary" because it appears to remain completely stationary at a fixed position in the sky when viewed from any observer on the Earth's surface.

For a satellite to appear stationary relative to a point on the Earth, its orbital period must match the Earth's rotation period about its own axis, which is one sidereal day (approximately 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds).
Furthermore, the satellite must orbit in the same direction that the Earth rotates. Since the Earth rotates about its axis from West to East, the geostationary satellite must also revolve around the Earth from West to East in its equatorial orbit.

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