SATELLITE PLANET Meaning and
Definition
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A satellite planet refers to a celestial body that orbits around a larger planet, commonly known as its host or primary planet. This term is primarily used to describe natural objects found in the solar system, such as moons or natural satellites that circles around planets like Earth's Moon, or the numerous moons of gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn.
Unlike planets, which revolve around the Sun, satellite planets are held in orbit by the gravitational pull of their host planet. They tend to have a regular elliptical or circular path around their primary planet and exhibit a synchronous rotation, meaning one side permanently faces the host planet.
Satellite planets range in size from quite small to substantial, with the Moon being one of the larger examples. Many satellite planets also possess their own unique features and characteristics, including varying surface compositions, geological activity, and even potential for hosting microbial life.
While the term "satellite planet" is less commonly used for describing exoplanets (planets outside of our solar system) orbiting around a host star, the concept of natural satellites orbiting planets can still be applied to these distant worlds as well. However, it is essential to note that the term "satellite planet" is typically reserved for objects orbiting planets within our solar system.
Etymology of SATELLITE PLANET
The term "satellite planet" is not a commonly used term and does not have an established etymology. However, by examining the individual words "satellite" and "planet", we can determine their origins.
The word "satellite" comes from the Latin word "satelles", meaning "attendant" or "bodyguard". The English word first appeared in the early 17th century and referred to something that revolves around or orbits another object. Initially, it was mainly used to describe the moons orbiting planets.
On the other hand, the word "planet" has a more complex etymology. It originated from the ancient Greek word "planetes", which means "wanderer". In ancient times, "planetes" referred to certain celestial bodies that appeared to move across the night sky, unlike the fixed stars. This concept was later adopted by the Romans, and the Latin word "planeta" emerged.
