3 ms·

Why is there a perfect(kinda) circle of the satellites around Antarctica and the Arctic? They orbit near them but somehow none go over the south or north pole

• sneak 6y ago
  The orbital planes top parts are all up there at high latitudes. The circle you are seeing is actually made up of several different orbital planes that swoop down toward/past the equator and then up/down to 60 degrees N/S. Seeing them move will make it clearer. Here’s an awesome visual explanation with a ton of other cool info: https://youtu.be/m05abdGSOxY https://youtu.be/m05abdGSOxY
• davewasthere 6y ago
  It'd be super not efficient... Also, nobody wants a figure-8 demolition derby in space...
• dmckeon 6y ago
  Fewer potential users in the near-polar regions, so the orbits are angled & aligned like wrapping a ball of twine, while polar coverage would require multiple tracks in north-south orbits. edit: more answers at https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23556843 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23556843