- Refers to geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites that revolve around the equator at the same rotational speed as the earth. Appearing as though they are not moving at all, GEOs are always above the same location on the planet. See geosynchronous and GEO.
- A geostationary orbit (or Geostationary Earth Orbit - GEO) is a geosynchronous orbit directly above the Earth 's equator (0° latitude), with a period equal to the Earth's rotational period and an orbital eccentricity of approximately zero.
| Noun | 1. | geostationary orbit - a geosynchronous orbit that is fixed with respect to a position on the Earth geosynchronous orbit - a circular orbit around the Earth having a period of 24 hours |
Define geostationary. Geostationary synonyms, geostationary pronunciation, geostationary translation, English dictionary definition of geostationary. Definition of geostationary in the Definitions.net dictionary. Meaning of geostationary. What does geostationary mean? Information and translations of geostationary in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web.
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Geostationary
GOES satellites provide the kind of continuous monitoring necessary for intensive data analysis. They circle the Earth in a geosynchronous orbit, which means they orbit the equatorial plane of the Earth at a speed matching the Earth's rotation. This allows them to hover continuously over one position on the surface. The geosynchronous plane is about 35,800 km (22,300 miles) above the Earth, high enough to allow the satellites a full-disc view of the Earth.
Geostationary Vs Geosynchronous
Because GOES satellites stay above a fixed spot on the surface, they provide a constant vigil for the atmospheric 'triggers' for severe weather conditions such as tornadoes, flash floods, hail storms, and hurricanes. When these conditions develop the GOES satellites are able to monitor storm development and track their movements. GOES satellite imagery is also used to estimate rainfall during the thunderstorms and hurricanes for flash flood warnings, as well as estimates snowfall accumulations and overall extent of snow cover.
Geostationary Orbit Definition
Such data help meteorologists issue winter storm warnings and spring snow melt advisories. Satellite sensors also detect ice fields and map the movements of sea and lake ice.