What is a Satellite?

What is the main idea of this selection?

• Scientists use satellites to study space because they can fly above the clouds.
• Some satellites use energy from the sun to stay powered while orbiting Earth.
• Earth and the moon are examples of natural satellites that orbit larger bodies. 
• Satellites are used in many ways to help people communicate with each other and gather information. 

Which sentence from the selection states a fact that can be verified?

• A group of more than twenty satellites make up the Global Positioning System, or GPS.
• The bird's-eye view that satellites have allows them to see large areas of Earth at one time. 
• This ability means satellites can collect more data, more quickly, than instruments on the ground. 
• Satellites also can see into space better than telescopes on Earth's surface. 

Based on the information in the selection, how do satellites help meteorologists?

• by sending phone calls
• by beaming TV signals
• by taking pictures of Earth
• by taking pictures of space

Which definition best matches the word launch as it is used in paragraph 10?

• Definition 1 
• Definition 2
• Definition 3
• Definition 4

According to the selection, which of these is a use for satellites?

• landing on and exploring other planets
• getting rid of dust that blocks the view of Earth
• changing the weather conditions in a given area
• helping GPS receivers figure out locations

In which section of the article should a reader look to find information about geostationary satellites?

• the opening paragraphs
• Why Are Satellites Important?
• What Are the Parts of a Satellite?
• How Do Satellites Orbit Earth? 

Which of these is a characteristic of both geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites?

• They travel in a north-south direction
• They are balanced by Earth's gravity.
• From Earth, they appear to stand still.
• They can scan the entire globe. 

In paragraph 4, why does the author compare the view of a satellite to that of a bird? 

• because birds can see at night
• because birds have good eyesight
• because birds see the world from above
• because birds can see through large objects 

What inference can the reader make based on the information in the section Why Are Satellites Important?

• Satellites will soon replace all of the telescopes used by scientists
• Satellites have made it cheaper to send both TV signals and phone calls. 
• Satellites are much bigger now than they were when they were invented.
• Satellites have made it easier for people to communicate over long distances.

By using comparison and contrast to organize the opening paragraphs in this selection, the author is able to---

• describe the differences between natural and artificial satellites
• explain how satellites stay in orbit around Earth
• describe the events that took place in the development of satellites
• explain how the parts of a satellite send and receive data