What is a satellite?

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A satellite is an object that travels around another, bigger object. We usually think of satellites as objects that travel around (orbit) the Earth. The Earth’s gravity pulls on its satellites so that they don’t float away and get lost in the galaxy. The satellites are also far enough away that gravity doesn’t cause them to come crashing down to the ground.

Earth has one natural satellite: the Moon! There are also a lot of man-made objects traveling around the Earth as well. Those satellites are objects like the International Space Station and the satellites that beam down television shows to satellite dishes around people’s homes. 

Many man-made satellites have scientific purposes. Some monitor the weather. Others help map the Earth. Some have cameras that can zoom in so far they can take pictures of houses and cars! 

Moon Quest!

Most planets have satellites (moons.) The only two without natural satellites are Mercury and Venus. All of the other planets have them. Earth has one. Mars has two!

What about the other planets? With the help of a grown-up, track down the moons of the other planets. Which planet has the most? Which has the fewest? What do you notice about the names of many of the moons? Where do these strange names come from?