natural moons orbiting other moons? Or even moons of moons of moons?
2006-08-25 07:27:42 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
My first thought was "sure, why not" but now, on thinking on it, I don't believe that a moons moon could last long. The reason being that, both bodies would have to have enough mass and gravity to affect one another. Unless they were a great distance from the planet, that seems to make for an unstable orbit, and they would then orbit around a point "X" that was the center of mass between them.
The smaller of the 2 moons would then be more excentric than the larger and would, perhaps tumble out of orbit or be torn by gravitational pull by the planet.
So, all that said, it 'could' happen, I'm not so sure that it's a long-term' relationship though'
2006-08-25 07:39:49 · answer #1 · answered by words_smith_4u 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
During past space missions astronauts orbited the moon (like a moon orbiting a moon?). So it is possible. Moons usually have a much weaker gravitational attraction than planets and it may be far more difficult for a moon to capture an object and cause it to orbit.
2006-08-25 09:39:40 · answer #2 · answered by Kes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, theoretically it is possible, but I don't know of any moons in our solar system that have their own moons, per se. There are moons that orbit each other in pretty intricate ways, though, such as Pandora and Prometheus, two moons *in* the rings of Saturn. Find out more here:
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/solarsystem/loony_moons_021022-1.html
Go about 3/4 of the way down for info on Saturn's moons.
2006-08-25 07:32:59 · answer #3 · answered by kris 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Theoretically, sure, you might have a moon of a moon, but it gets increasingly unlikely, because the higher mass of the planet will likely pull in the moon's moon. Moons of moons of moons is technically possible again, but highly unlikely.
2006-08-25 07:34:17 · answer #4 · answered by Professor Beatz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im would think so just think of the rings pf planets those are just little moons after moons in a different way
2006-08-25 07:31:55 · answer #5 · answered by timizzle2 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's theoretically possible, but most likely, the other moons would be pulled into the planet's surface by it's gravity.
2006-08-25 07:35:08 · answer #6 · answered by cman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends on how you explain it...if 10 years ago scientist considered pluto a planet they would say a moon is orbiting a planet-pluto...but if today scientist discover a moon orbiting pluto...they would say that a moon is orbiting a moon(or whatever they consider pluto to be as they have already proved that it is not a planet)...so i guess it depends on how scientist define it...scienifically i think it is quite possible...
2006-08-25 07:44:50 · answer #7 · answered by sCrUbs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I doubt it would last for very long; the main planet would end up stealing the moon's moon due to its greater gravitational pull....
2006-08-25 09:45:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
of course, i believe that either jupiter or saturn's moons have moons orbiting them, not for sure, though...
2006-08-25 07:36:25 · answer #9 · answered by Dizzie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure. as a matter of fact several asteroids have moons.
2006-08-25 09:40:17 · answer #10 · answered by rjjensenia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋