Hello all, I am new to this site and very eager to learn. I am currently in a computer graphics course learning some basics on computer graphics and introducing ourselves to openGL and directx. I have a question about model-view matrcies that I can't figure out and was wondering if anyone can help me out. Consider a satellite rotating around the earth. Its position above the earth is specified in polar coordinates. Find a model-view matrix that keeps the viewer looking at the earth. Such a matrix could be used to show the earth as it rotates. I understand that is probably a basic question for most of you, however, I am stumped, could anyone help shed some light on this? Thank You!

You need rotation and translation matrix and multiply them together. First rotate in the center of planet then move out by some distance. Read Matrix FAQ to learn how to construct this kind of matrices.

("simpler" alternative would be to use glRotate and glTranslate)