What is a satellite?

What is a satellite?

• A. A natural object that orbits a planet
• B. A large star in the galaxy
• C. A planet that has rings
• D. A comet traveling in space

Answer: (A)

A satellite is defined as a natural object that orbits a planet. This can include objects like moons, which orbit planets in our solar system, such as Earth's moon. The gravitational pull of the planet keeps the satellite in its orbit, allowing it to circle the planet over time. This distinction is crucial because it emphasizes the relationship between the satellite and the planet it orbits, highlighting the influence of gravity in space. Other options describe different celestial objects that do not fulfill the definition of a satellite. A large star in the galaxy represents a different category of astronomical object, as does a planet with rings; these do not orbit other planets. Additionally, a comet is a distinct type of body that travels through space, typically with an elongated orbit around the sun, rather than being a natural object that is in orbit around a planet. Thus, the correct definition aligns specifically with what constitutes a satellite in the context of astronomy.

A satellite is defined as a natural object that orbits a planet. This can include objects like moons, which orbit planets in our solar system, such as Earth's moon. The gravitational pull of the planet keeps the satellite in its orbit, allowing it to circle the planet over time. This distinction is crucial because it emphasizes the relationship between the satellite and the planet it orbits, highlighting the influence of gravity in space.

Other options describe different celestial objects that do not fulfill the definition of a satellite. A large star in the galaxy represents a different category of astronomical object, as does a planet with rings; these do not orbit other planets. Additionally, a comet is a distinct type of body that travels through space, typically with an elongated orbit around the sun, rather than being a natural object that is in orbit around a planet. Thus, the correct definition aligns specifically with what constitutes a satellite in the context of astronomy.