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Chapter 8: Problem 6

Could you put a satellite in an orbit that keeps it stationary over the south pole? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
No, a satellite cannot be placed in a stationary orbit over the south pole because the necessary conditions for a geostationary orbit - being directly above the equator in line with Earth's equatorial plane - can't be achieved there.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding stationary orbit

A stationary orbit, also known as a geostationary orbit, is an orbit around Earth of a satellite in which the satellite remains in the same position in the sky to an observer on Earth. This means the satellite orbits at the same speed as the Earth is turning.
02

Analyze the possibility of a geostationary orbit over the poles

To stay in a geostationary orbit, a satellite has to be directly above the equator, not the poles. This is because Earth's gravitational pull is perpendicular to the equator and not utterly strong at the poles due to Earth's oblate shape (it's wider at the equator than pole-to-pole). The satellite's orbital plane must also be in line with Earth's equatorial plane. So, if a satellite were placed in orbit over either pole, it would not remain there but would gradually drift away.
03

Concluding the analysis

Thus, it's not possible to have a satellite in an orbit that keeps it stationary over either pole because this would require a gravitational pull towards the pole, which is not present.

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