I know our moon is a satellite but we call it a moon, the dictionary calls satellites moons so what is the difference? Uranus for example has both moons and satellites, as opposed to just moons or just satellites.
2006-12-21 03:23:53 · 5 answers · asked by kellviete 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The two words are very close in meaning, but Moon is a subset of satellite. That is, all moons are satellites but not all satellites are moons. Weather satellites are not moons, but every moon is also a satellite of the planet it orbits. Even the Earth is a satellite, of the Sun.
2006-12-21 03:29:02 · answer #1 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have an idea of why " moons " are called moons and why satellite are satellites . Ok/
The moon , or any moon exerts gravity puull on the planet it orbits
a satellite is too far away from the planet it rotates to exerts any gravity pull on it
Proof of this is : Our moon exert influ. on earth by controling the tides .
2006-12-21 03:29:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
actually the moon is a satellite. they could be talking about artificail satellites which are robotic. people just call the moon both.
2006-12-21 03:30:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The words are interchangeable when referring to naturally occurring orbiting bodies. If the object is man made, satellite seems to be the standard.
2006-12-21 03:26:41 · answer #4 · answered by Gene 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Moon, Naturally made orbiting body, (made from cosmic dust and such.)
Satelite, Man made orbiting body, such as the space station, it can be considered a satelite
2006-12-21 08:34:53 · answer #5 · answered by mcdonaldcj 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋