Over 2,000 man-made satellites are currently orbiting the Earth, providing a wide range of services like communications, remote sensing, and global positioning. As more are launched and new technologies are developed, they will play an increasingly important role in everyday life. The Tech Museum offers this site (1) dedicated to the basics of satellites and their functions. A Java program...

The aim of the Heavens Above Web site is "to provide you with all the information you need to observe satellites such as the International Space Station and the Space Shuttle, spectacular events such as the dazzlingly bright flares from Iridium satellites as well as a wealth of other spaceflight and astronomical information." After users enter their location, they get all the specific satellite...

This tutorial is part of WebPhysics, a site "devoted to teaching and learning physics with World Wide Web technology." The first lesson teaches visitors about orbital mechanics. The second and third lessons delve into the theory and science that make global positioning satellites a reality. Each of the three lessons contains sections on Exploration, Application, and Theory. The clearly articulated...

With all this talk about long-distance space explorations to Mars and points beyond, it would seem that people have forgotten that there are thousands of satellites orbiting the Earth at any given minute. Fortunately for the curious public, Sebastian Stoff has created this fun little application that allows budding astrologers and others keep track of those many satellites that are circling around...

This Topic in Depth explores the Web's offerings on Orbits. The first site is offered by Northwestern University and asks: What is an orbit? (1 ). The site answers questions such as What causes an orbit to happen?, What is a satellite?, What travels in an orbit?, and Are there orbits within orbits?. A great starting site for this subject, visitors should come away with a broad and clear...