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Student Worksheet 6.2
You will create an orbit groundtrack on a flat map using a side can to represent the Earth.

Procedure
1. Cut out the map (Orbit Map #6.2) provided with the activity.
2. Wrap the map around the soda can and secure it with tape.
3. Place a rubber band around the equator.
4. Use small pieces of tape to secure the rubber band to the map at points A and C marked on the map.
5. Stretch the sides of the rubber band between A and C up to point B on one side, and down to point D on the other. (Hint: If you stretch the rubber band slightly higher than point B and slightly lower than point D and allow it to slowly 'unstretch' back to points B and D before taping, your ground tracks will be more accurate.)
6. Secure the rubberband to points B and D with tape. 
7. Take the tape from points A and C off of the can so that the rubber band will lay smoothly around the can. 
8. Use the rubberband as a guide to trace the ground track on the map with a felt-tip pen.
9. Carefully remove the rubber band.
10. Untape the map, and take it off of the soda can. Lay it out flat to see the groundtrack that you've drawn. 

[[image]]
map
equator
rubber band

Excercises
1. Mark (with arrows) on your map the direction that the shuttle moves.
2. Label the ascending node. What is the longitude of the ascending node? _________
3. Mark the descending node. What is the longitude of the descending node? _________
4. What is the farthest North latitude? _________ Mark that point.
5. What is the farthest South latitude? _________ Mark that point.
6. What continents does this particular orbit cross?

10/03/96

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