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A satellite in a geostationary orbit appears stationary, always at the same point in the sky, to ground observers. A perfect stable geostationary orbit is an ideal that can only be approximated. In practice, the satellite drifts out of this orbit because of perturbations such as the
1. Solar wind
2. Radiation pressure
3. Variations in the Earth's gravitational field
4. Gravitational effect of the Moon and Sun 
  • a)
    1 and 2 
  • b)
    1 and 4 
  • c)
    2, 3 and 4 
  • d)
    1, 2, 3 and 4 
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
A satellite in a geostationary orbit appears stationary, always at the...
A circular geosynchronous orbit in the plane of the Earth's equator has a radius of approximately 42,164 km (26,199 mi) from the center of the Earth. A satellite in such an orbit is at an altitude of approximately 35,786 km (22,236 mi) above mean sea level. It maintains the same position relative to the Earth's surface. If one could see a satellite in geostationary orbit, it would appear to hover at the same point in the sky, i.e., not exhibit diurnal motion, while the Sun, Moon, and stars would traverse the heavens behind it. This is sometimes called a Clarke orbit. Such orbits are useful for telecommunications satellites. 
A perfect stable geostationary orbit is an ideal that can only be approximated. In practice the satellite drifts out of this orbit (because of perturbations such as the solar wind, radiation pressure, variations in the Earth's gravitational field, and the gravitational effect of the Moon and Sun), and thrusters are used to maintain the orbit in a process known as station-keeping.  
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A satellite in a geostationary orbit appears stationary, always at the...
Factors leading to drift in geostationary orbit:
1. Solar wind: Solar wind is a continuous flow of charged particles from the sun that can exert pressure on the satellite, causing it to drift out of its geostationary orbit.
2. Radiation pressure: Radiation pressure from the sun can also push the satellite off course, leading to a deviation from its ideal geostationary position.
3. Variations in the Earth's gravitational field: The Earth's gravitational field is not perfectly uniform, leading to slight variations that can affect the satellite's orbit and cause it to drift over time.
4. Gravitational effect of the Moon and Sun: The gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun can create tidal forces on the satellite, causing it to move slightly from its geostationary position.

Conclusion:
In practice, all these factors contribute to the drift of a satellite from its geostationary orbit. While efforts are made to minimize these perturbations, a perfect stable geostationary orbit is difficult to achieve in reality.
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A satellite in a geostationary orbit appears stationary, always at the same point in the sky, to ground observers. A perfect stable geostationary orbit is an ideal that can only be approximated. In practice, the satellite drifts out of this orbit because of perturbations such as the1. Solar wind2. Radiation pressure3. Variations in the Earths gravitational field4. Gravitational effect of the Moon and Suna)1 and 2b)1 and 4c)2, 3 and 4d)1, 2, 3 and 4Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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A satellite in a geostationary orbit appears stationary, always at the same point in the sky, to ground observers. A perfect stable geostationary orbit is an ideal that can only be approximated. In practice, the satellite drifts out of this orbit because of perturbations such as the1. Solar wind2. Radiation pressure3. Variations in the Earths gravitational field4. Gravitational effect of the Moon and Suna)1 and 2b)1 and 4c)2, 3 and 4d)1, 2, 3 and 4Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about A satellite in a geostationary orbit appears stationary, always at the same point in the sky, to ground observers. A perfect stable geostationary orbit is an ideal that can only be approximated. In practice, the satellite drifts out of this orbit because of perturbations such as the1. Solar wind2. Radiation pressure3. Variations in the Earths gravitational field4. Gravitational effect of the Moon and Suna)1 and 2b)1 and 4c)2, 3 and 4d)1, 2, 3 and 4Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for A satellite in a geostationary orbit appears stationary, always at the same point in the sky, to ground observers. A perfect stable geostationary orbit is an ideal that can only be approximated. In practice, the satellite drifts out of this orbit because of perturbations such as the1. Solar wind2. Radiation pressure3. Variations in the Earths gravitational field4. Gravitational effect of the Moon and Suna)1 and 2b)1 and 4c)2, 3 and 4d)1, 2, 3 and 4Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
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