What is Geosynchronous orbit?
A '''geosynchronous orbit''' is an [[orbit]] at a height of {{convert|35786|km|mi|-3|abbr=on}} [[above sea level]] on the [[Earth]]. At this height, the orbit takes 24 hours, so it is ''in sync'' with the land on Earth (the 'geo' part of geosynchronous). The [[geostationary orbit]] is the most common type of geosynchronous orbit. This is right above the [[equator]], so the satellites in this orbit do not swing north or south, but stay perfectly still above a point on the equator. This is useful for [[communication]] satellites (including satellite TV). Geosynchronous also includes orbits that are not above the equator, but since every orbit goes around the center of the Earth, the satellite must spend an equal amount of time north of the equator as it does south of the equator, so it appears to slide up and down when viewed from the Earth. [[Category:Satellites]] [[Category:Astrophysics]] {{sci-stub}}