Satellites Introduction Satellites are objects that orbit larger objects because of their gravitational pull. They can be divided into two groups: natural satellites, artificial satellites. Examples of natural satellites are moons. Artificial satellites are devices that have been sent into orbit around the Earth for various purposes, such as communication and observation of weather. Some artificial satellites collect information about the Earth's atmosphere so that weather forecasts can be made. Satellites are also used to relay radio, TV and telephone signals to different parts of the world. They help people to navigate by identifying their exact positions on the planet. Some satellites are used to carry out aerial surveys of the Earth's surface. The information from these surveys is used for making maps, environmental and agricultural studies, and for military purposes. Some satellites have sensing equipment that is aimed towards outer space. They are used to explore the Solar System. At the end of the lesson you should: know what satellites are, be able to describe how the Moon orbits the Earth, be able to describe the applications of artificial satellites, be able to explain how artificial satellites and probes observe the Earth and explore the Solar System. List of assignments: Sati_assign01 Satm_assign01 Sati_assign02 Sati_assign03 Sati_assign04