Earth Subtended Solid Angle from 2000 km Satellite

In summary, the Earth Subtended Solid Angle is the angle formed by two lines extending from the center of the Earth to two points on its surface, as viewed from a satellite at a specific distance above the Earth. It is measured in units of steradians or degrees, and is important in satellite imaging and remote sensing for determining resolution and coverage. The angle decreases as satellite altitude increases, with 2000 km being a commonly used distance for medium-resolution imagery.
  • #1
stunner5000pt
1,461
2
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 teh 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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  • #2
Isn't that sin theta.? Remember Sohcahtoa.
 

1. What is the Earth Subtended Solid Angle?

The Earth Subtended Solid Angle refers to the angle formed by two straight lines extending from the center of the Earth to two points on its surface, as viewed from a satellite located at a specific distance above the Earth.

2. How is the Earth Subtended Solid Angle measured?

The Earth Subtended Solid Angle is typically measured in units of steradians, which represent the solid angle subtended by a sphere at its center when its surface area is equal to the square of its radius. It can also be measured in degrees, with 1 steradian being equivalent to approximately 57.3 degrees.

3. Why is the Earth Subtended Solid Angle important?

The Earth Subtended Solid Angle is an important concept in satellite imaging and remote sensing. It helps scientists and engineers determine the resolution and coverage of satellite images, and is also used in calculations for atmospheric correction and other geospatial analyses.

4. How does the Earth Subtended Solid Angle change with satellite altitude?

The Earth Subtended Solid Angle decreases as the satellite's altitude increases. This means that the higher the satellite is above the Earth's surface, the smaller the angle between the two lines extending from its center to two points on the Earth's surface will be. This in turn affects the resolution and coverage of satellite images.

5. What is the significance of a satellite being located 2000 km above the Earth's surface?

At an altitude of 2000 km, the Earth Subtended Solid Angle is approximately 0.002 steradians or 0.11 degrees. This is an important distance for satellite imaging, as it is commonly used for medium-resolution imagery and provides a good balance between coverage and resolution.

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