An official definition of a satellite is a man-made object that orbits around the earth. Satellites are used by many people for many different things. Astronomers used artificial satellites such as the Hubble telescope to look into space. An artificial satellite is man- made. A natural satellite is the moon. Artificial satellites are used for communications, observation and monitoring, navigation and mapping.

There are many different uses for satellites. Communication satellites allow us to watch things that are going on across the globe, hear news correspondents reporting live from anywhere. Satellites are also used to observe and monitor Earth and make sure nothing is coming towards it. Satellites can be used for mapping and looking to see weather patterns for different areas on earth. Satellites also make it possible to create maps.

Low Earth Orbit is how a communication satellite can be positioned. For low earth orbit the satellites are placed km high above the ground. They complete about one orbit of earth in 1.5 hours. These satellites move faster then the earth spins. To track signals from these satellites, moving antennae are used to follow their paths. These satellites move in the same direction as the earth rotates. They are place in space about km above earth directly over the equator. They are synchronized with earth’s rotation. Stationary antennae are used to track these signals.

This technology was first developed for military purposes. Now it used by almost everyone. Using a small hand-held unit you can use a satellite to figure out where you are on Earth. The satellite used for GPS sends out radio signals announcing it’s position and exact time. Each hand-held unit contains a receiver and computer. It detects the radio signals and measures the distance to each satellite. They do this by comparing how long it takes for the signal to be received. The unit then calculates your location on Earth, using the triangulation method that is programmed in the system. Although this system was originally for the military people such as fishers, pilots, and palaeontologists use them.

I think that Photo A was taken with a geosynchronous satellite. I think it was because it is positioned higher up in spaced then any other satellite. In Photograph A you are able to see things from a farther distance giving you a picture of more things. In this picture especially you are able to see three different storms and where they are heading. In photo B you are able to focus on one are, which can be good if you are looking at one storm in particular. In both pictures you can find out that there are storms heading for several places. You are able to focus more on one individually in Photo B, while finding out a position in photo B.