What Are the Different Earth Orbits? | Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains…

What are the different Earth orbits? On this explainer, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice explore getting into orbit, what each level of orbit means, and how they are used. Also, how would a space elevator work?

What is a geosynchronous orbit? Geostationary? We discuss how Isaac Newton figured out the speed an object would need to get into orbit. What is low Earth orbit versus middle Earth orbit? The answer, we promise, has nothing to do with the presence of hobbits. Learn about plans to create an elevator to space. Why would it be useful and how could we do it? Plus, what would the space elevator music be?

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About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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0:00 - Introduction
1:22 - Orbit
3:22 - Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
4:59 - Middle Earth Orbit (MEO)
6:00 - Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO)
8:01 - Geosynchronous Earth Orbit
8:35 - Space Elevators
10:21 - Banter
11:22 - Destroying Satellites
13:21 - Closing Notes

[StarTalk]

What would you do if you ran into LEO, MEO and GEO in a dark alleyway?

[Carolina_Rodriguez]

I’m going through a rough moment, and watching StarTalk has been a gift of a distraction, thank you

[Nefville]

Chuck is so fast on his feet. Absolutely hilarious, you guys work so well together I'm always excited to see a new video especially when its on something I think I know all about and Neil just has some way of making even known things fascinating.

[jdzazz]

Yet another fantastic explanation! I love how you make even complex topics easy to understand.

[hey.goldfish]

Can we all just acknowledge how amazing Chuck Nice is? Like, I know he's a comedian but he's so on point and he's so right there.

[ThorPalsson]

I NEED to see Neil do more calculations in his mind. Truly fascinating to witness it happen. As a layman it opens ones mind to how the calculation makes sense Been listening for 5 years, thanks to a childhood friend who died on Christmas day 2021. Ölvir would have loved this video.

[tayzonday]

4:37 SIXTEEN Sunrises, not eighteen! ☀️🌞

[dteed]

Love starting my day learning about the universe with Neil & Chuck!

[robertmiller]

There's also the Molniya orbit, that allows you to approximate geostationary for high latitudes; polar orbit, that allows you to see the Earth's entire surface; and sun-synchronous orbit, that's almost a polar orbit but allows your satellite to always be in sunlight. That last is a popular one these days, which is why we're starting to see more high-latitude launch sites in places like Alaska and Scotland.

The fourth country that tested an antisat was India.

[timknight]

Please do a video on how the space elevator would conceivably work! Sounds amazing!

[randomknowledgeperson]

chuck is perfect in these, always making jokes right when he needs to and not trying to step on neil’s heels and seem like he’s interrupting

[Thomas-dzeg]

Our World was the first live, international, satellite television production, which was broadcast on 25 June 1967. Creative artists, including the Beatles, opera singer Maria Callas, and painter Pablo Picasso – representing nineteen nations – were invited to perform or appear in separate segments featuring their respective countries. The two-and-a-half-hour event had the largest television audience ever up to that date: an estimated 400 to 700 million people around the globe watched the broadcast. Today, it is most famous for the segment from the United Kingdom starring the Beatles. They performed their song "All You Need Is Love" for the first time to close the broadcast.

[BDominique]

I did a data project not even 2 weeks ago and among some of the categories these orbits were mentioned.

This video really helps, I want to go back and make some tweaks now that I have some more context. Thanks, Neil!

[devilsephiroth]

Thank you guys for some interesting facts about our planet. Knowledge is truly power.

[benisaten]

Neil's laugh is brighter than a star.

[f.michaelbremer-cruz]

Thanks for this video as I learned a few things. The idea of a Space Elevator is truly intriguing. I wonder if we'll ever see one built. It could make space more accessible to average people who aren't Billionaires, actors, etc.

[AdamOns]

You two are the best keep them coming!

[Lanhoj]

*I'm here for the banter...* @10:21

The knowledge too, of course, but there's no discounting the value of the banter.

[julianb]

Can we do not only an explainer but an entire cosmic queries on MAGNETISM and our inability to understand it fully? Please?

[Bratfalken]

I like Geo, the tv dish I installed 22 years ago still works with the same aim!