Determining angle to which satellite is visible

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the angle through which a satellite, positioned 1680 km above the Earth's surface and moving in the equatorial plane, is visible to an observer on the equator. The context includes geometric considerations related to the observer's line of sight and the satellite's position.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the importance of drawing a geometric representation to understand the problem better. There are attempts to visualize the situation, with one participant suggesting that the observer's line of sight is tangent to the Earth, which raises questions about visibility and obstruction.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing sketches and interpretations of the geometry involved. Some guidance has been offered regarding the drawing, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or solution yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of visualizing the problem and the potential for misunderstanding the provided answers. There is an acknowledgment of the need for accurate geometric representation to clarify the situation.

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Homework Statement


An Earth satellite is moving in the plane of the Earth's equator. Satellite is 1680km above Earth's surface, with a period of 2 hours. Determine the angle through which satellite is visible to an observer at an equator, measured about the centre of the Earth.

Homework Equations



the first part involved finding the height above the satellite, which I have found to be 1680km. This is the second part. I know a geometrical approach is required, but can't seem to draw it out.

The Attempt at a Solution



Tried drawing a sphere and satellite but can't seem to work it out.. Appreciate help! (Already tried but failed to understand the provided answers)Original souce: question 2b(iii) of http://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/olympiad/Downloads/PastPapers/BPhO_Paper2_2006_QP.pdf

Answer: http://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/olympiad/Downloads/PastPapers/BPhO_Paper2_2006_MS.pdf
 
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I think drawing an accurate picture helps. Does this drawing help? You have two lengths of a triangle, problem started?
 

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  • sat038.jpg
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so I assume the guy is at the top, and since the line is a tangent to his line of sight, any where lower than the tangent, the line produced will cut through the Earth's surface, resulting in the satellite being blocked.

Is that analogy correct?
 
Give or take a little I think the sketch is the geometry you are looking for.
 

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