In my video, I cover how you’re tracked by four (or more) satellites. Each satellite sends a timestamp which contains specific information. By using the equation: distance = speed multiplied by time, we can use timestamps and plug it in for time. Signals are sent at the speed of light, therefore the timestamp multiplied by speed of light equals distance. We now know the distance to the satellite!
However, it’s not just this simple. As described in my video, “When you’re moving faster, times a disaster, it slows down like a cosmic master.” Since a typical satellite moves at approximately 17,000 miles per hour, it travels faster than people on Earth. Its clock will run slower than our clocks.
Therefore, if you do not account for a satellite’s clock running slightly slower, it can miscalculate by about six miles (or ten kilometers) in either direction. If you’re in the observatory of the Empire State Building, this miscalculation could put you in Queens!
#breakthroughjuniorchallenge
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zlGmVi06R9Q/maxresdefault.jpg)