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Geostationary Orbits

A geostationary orbit is a special path around the Earth where a satellite moves at the same rotational speed as the planet. This means the satellite stays directly above the same spot on Earth's surface, appearing stationary from the ground. It orbits roughly 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) above the equator, completing one orbit every 24 hours. This stable position makes geostationary satellites ideal for communications, weather monitoring, and broadcasting, since they provide continuous coverage of the same area.