ISSN : 1226-0657
In this paper we consider covering problems in spherical geometry. Let <TEX>$cov_q{S_1}^n$</TEX> be the smallest radius of q equal metric balls that cover n-dimensional unit sphere <TEX>${S_1}^n$</TEX>. We show that <TEX>$cov_q{S_1}^n\;=\;\frac{\pi}{2}\;for\;2\leq\;q\leq\;n+1$</TEX> and <TEX>$\pi-arccos(\frac{-1}{n+1})$</TEX> for q = n + 2. The configuration of centers of balls realizing <TEX>$cov_q{S_1}^n$</TEX> are established, simultaneously. Moreover, some properties of <TEX>$cov_{q}$</TEX>X for the compact metric space X, in general, are proved.