That assumes the satellite is directly between the Sun and Earth. However, it is a trick question because solar x-rays do not penetrate to the Earth's surface. Dale > -----Original Message----- > From: Chris Jones [mailto:clj@panix.com] > Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2009 10:48 AM > To: Thomas Ashcraft > Cc: SeeSat-L@satobs.org > Subject: Re: GOES question > > Thomas Ashcraft wrote: > > I have a math question for anyone here: > > > > The GOES satellites monitor X-rays from the Sun. What would be the > > difference in time ( a matter of seconds?) between when > solar x-rays > > hit the GOES sats and then hit the surface of the Earth? > > > > I hope the question is clear and if not I will re-ask. > > I would say less than a matter of seconds. GOES satellites > are in a geostationary orbit (that's what the G in their name > means), which is about 1/4 light-second from the earth's > surface. Solar X-rays, unlike some other particles ejected > from the sun, travel at the speed of light. > > -------------------------------------------------------------- > ----------- > Subscribe/Unsubscribe info, Frequently Asked Questions, > SeeSat-L archive: > http://www.satobs.org/seesat/seesatindex.html > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe/Unsubscribe info, Frequently Asked Questions, SeeSat-L archive: http://www.satobs.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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