Satellite

:For other uses, please see Satellite (disambiguation)

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A satellite is an object that orbits another object (known as its primary). The term is often used to describe an artificial satellite (as opposed to natural satellites, or moons).

Related Topics:
Orbit - Natural satellites - Moon

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Because all objects exert gravity, the motion of the primary object is also affected by the satellite. (This observation allows for the discovery of extrasolar planets.) If two objects are sufficiently similar in mass, they are generally referred to as a binary system rather than a primary object and satellite. The general criterion for an object to be a satellite is that the center of mass of the two objects is inside the primary object.

Related Topics:
Gravity - Extrasolar planet - Binary system - Center of mass

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All masses that are part of the solar system, including the Earth, are satellites of the Sun, or satellites of those objects, such as the Moon.

Related Topics:
Solar system - Earth - Sun - Moon

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