Correct option is C
The approximate height of a geostationary satellite from the surface of the Earth is 36,000 km. Geostationary satellites orbit the Earth at this altitude because it allows them to match the Earth's rotation, thus remaining fixed over a single point on the equator.
Important Key Points:
1. Geostationary satellites orbit at about 36,000 km above the Earth's surface.
2. At this height, they orbit the Earth at the same rate as the Earth's rotation, making them appear stationary from the ground.
3. These satellites are primarily used for telecommunications, weather forecasting, and broadcasting.
4. The geostationary orbit is also known as the Clarke orbit, named after the science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke.
Knowledge Booster:
· Geostationary Orbit: A circular orbit where a satellite appears stationary relative to a point on Earth, used extensively for communication and weather monitoring.
· Clarke Orbit: Named after Arthur C. Clarke, who first proposed the concept of geostationary satellites for global communications.