Earth Subtended Solid Angle from 2000 km Satellite

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the solid angle subtended by the Earth as viewed from a satellite orbiting at an altitude of 2000 km. The angle θ is determined to be 40.4 degrees or 0.705 radians using the formula \(\cos \theta = \frac{6370 \text{ km}}{8370 \text{ km}}\). The solid angle \(\Omega\) is defined by the integral \(\Omega = \int_{0}^{2 \pi} \int_{0}^{0.705} \sin \theta' d \theta' d \phi\). The participants confirm the validity of the approach and the use of trigonometric identities in the calculations.

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  • Understanding of solid angles in spherical coordinates
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, particularly sine and cosine
  • Basic knowledge of calculus, specifically integration
  • Concept of satellite orbits and altitude measurements
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stunner5000pt
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This isn't so much an astronomy question as one would think
A perfectly black satellite is in orbit around the Earth at a height of 2000 km
What solid angle does the Earth subtend when viewed from the satellite?


[tex]\cos \theta = \frac{6370km}{8370km}[/tex]
WEll if we look at hte diagram the angle theta is 40.4 degrees or 0.705 radians

we want the solid angle which is defined as
[tex]\Omega = \int_{0}^{2 \pi} \int_{0}^{0.705} \sin \theta' d \theta' d \phi[/tex]

is this fine?
 

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Isn't that sin theta.? Remember Sohcahtoa.
 

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