Elevation Angle
The angle between the horizontal plane and a line connecting a satellite and an observer on the ground. It is a crucial parameter used in satellite communication and tracking systems to determine the visibility of a satellite from a specific location on Earth.
The elevation angle provides information about how high the satellite appears in the sky when viewed from the observer’s position. It is measured in degrees and represents the vertical angle above the horizon. A higher elevation angle indicates that the satellite is positioned more directly overhead, while a lower elevation angle implies that the satellite is closer to the horizon.
In satellite communication, the elevation angle plays a significant role in determining the quality and strength of the communication signal. As the elevation angle increases, the communication link between the satellite and the ground station improves. This is because a higher elevation angle allows for a more direct path, reducing the impact of obstacles such as buildings, trees, or terrain that could potentially block or weaken the signal.
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