Explain why a geostationary satellite must orbit around Earth's equator, rather than in some other orbit (such as around the poles).

Question

anonymous · Answer

Do you know what a geostationary satellite is?

mrnood · Answer

Please try to imagine the motion of a satellite in polar orbit, as the earth rotates below it.
Can you see any way in which this satellite could be 'geostationary'?

As a slight aside:
How long does it take for the earth to rotate once around its axis?
How long must a satellite's orbit last if it is to be geostationary?...
Where can a satellite have this orbital period?..