What are satellites that orbit planets commonly referred to as?

Prepare for the DIVE Earth Science Quarterly Exam 1. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Satellites that orbit planets are commonly referred to as moons. A moon is a natural satellite that revolves around a planet, and many of the planets in our solar system have multiple moons. For example, Earth has one moon, whereas Jupiter has over 70 known moons. Moons can vary greatly in size, composition, and characteristics, but their primary defining feature is that they orbit a planet rather than being a planet themselves.

In contrast, meteors are particles from space that burn up upon entering a planet's atmosphere, while stars are massive celestial bodies made of gas that produce light through nuclear reactions. Comets are icy bodies that release gas or dust and develop tails when they come close to the Sun. Each of these terms describes very different astronomical objects and phenomena that do not fit the definition of satellites that orbit planets.

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