The Satellite Arc

[Kalipo]

We often speak of the TV satellites being on an arc. Especially when thinking of a motorised dish. Still very relevant however for any fixed dish setup.

In most of the UK, the satellites closest to your due south are the Thor 2 & 3 satellites at 0.8 degrees West, and are near the top of the arc and the highest in the sky. As you move east or west the elevation of the other satellites gradually drop down and approach the horizon as shown in the diagram. In the far west of the UK or Ireland you will find Atlantic Bird 3 at 5W will be nearer your due south.

The diagram also illustrates why the satellites at the extremes of the arc are difficult to get as they are so close to the horizon. In southern England (London), 0.8W will be around 30 degrees above the horizon, in Scotland about 25 degrees above, 68.5E for example will be around 5 degrees.

[smirnoff_rules]

just for thommo

[Kalipo]

God thats a big un