Chance of 99942 Apophis Messing up GSO Satellites?

[Red Iron Crown]

Yes, but geosynchronous means just that the satellite will be in the same place over earth at the same time each day. So if it oscillates east and west, that's fine, as long as it has an orbital period exactly equal to earth's day. You can even have a highly inclined or even polar geosynchronous orbit.

Thanks, that's illuminating. So if I'm understanding the distinction properly, a geosynchronous orbit only requires an orbital period equal to the sidereal day, while geostationary must be geosynchronous as well as circular and equatorial.

So I guess geosynchronous must be one of those words that's commonly misused in the common vernacular.

[Dkmdlb]

Right on all counts. And even people that ought to know better misuse the term!