An Earth-observing satellite is taking a polar orbit. What can you infer about this satellite?

Question

Responses

The low altitude provides high-resolution photographs of sections of the earth.
The low altitude provides high-resolution photographs of sections of the earth.

The satellite maintains continuous coverage of a single area of the earth.
The satellite maintains continuous coverage of a single area of the earth.

The satellite passes over the North Pole at the same time each day.
The satellite passes over the North Pole at the same time each day.

The high altitude allows for detailed mapping of the entire earth.
The high altitude allows for detailed mapping of the entire earth.

Answer 1

Based on the fact that the satellite is taking a polar orbit, we can infer the following:

The satellite passes over the North Pole at the same time each day.

This is true because polar orbits allow satellites to cover different sections of the Earth as the planet rotates beneath them, enabling them to eventually pass over the same points at consistent times over successive days.

Additionally, while polar orbits often operate at lower altitudes that can provide high-resolution imagery, this is not a definitive trait of all polar orbiting satellites, as altitude can vary. However, the key distinction for polar orbits is the characteristic of passing over the poles regularly.

So, the most accurate inference from the options provided would be about the timing of its passes over the poles.