What is a geocentric orbit?
Quick Answer
A geocentric orbit is any orbit around Earth. The Moon is not in a geocentric orbit because it orbits Earth, but artificial satellites are.
The Full Story
Geocentric means “centered on Earth,” so a geocentric orbit is simply an orbit around our planet. Most Earth-orbiting satellites, including communication satellites, the International Space Station, and many scientific spacecraft, are in geocentric orbit. Orbits can be low, medium, or high depending on altitude, and they may be circular or highly elliptical. The term is used in astronomy and spaceflight to distinguish Earth-centered motion from orbits around the Sun or other bodies.
Key Facts
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"Every satellite you see is in an Earth-centered orbit"
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