Satellite Dish Pointing (Az/El)
Approximate azimuth + elevation for geostationary satellite (101°W example).
Result
Az / El
217.19° / 36.53°
Reasonable elevation.
- Site latitude40°
- Site longitude-75°
- Satellite long-101°
- Elevation36.531°
- Azimuth (true)217.190°
- NoteAdd magnetic declination for compass bearing.
Step-by-step
- Azimuth = 180° + atan2(tan(Δλ), sin(φ)).
- Elevation derived from spherical geometry between site + GEO orbit.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your lat/long + satellite longitude.
- Use compass + inclinometer to aim.
About this calculator
Geostationary satellites orbit at 35,786 km equatorial altitude. From any point on Earth: aim dish at specific azimuth (compass bearing) + elevation (angle above horizon). Approximation here ignores Earth's ellipsoid + atmospheric refraction (within 0.5°). Below 5° elevation: signal often blocked by terrain/trees. Add magnetic declination to true azimuth for compass bearing. Source: ITU-R recommendations.
Frequently asked
35,786 km above equator. Period 23.93 hr (sidereal day). Stays "fixed" relative to Earth.
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