An extrasolar moon, or exomoon, is a natural satellite that orbits an extrasolar planet or other extrasolar body. Although no extrasolar moons have yet been observed, it can be inferred from the empirical study of natural satellites in the Solar System that they are likely to be common elements of planetary systems. The majority of detected exoplanets are gas giants and in the Solar System, the gas giants have large collections of natural satellites (see Moons of Jupiter and Moons of Saturn). However, detecting them would be extremely difficult with current techniques.
Read more about Extrasolar Moon: Definition of Satellites Around Brown Dwarfs, Characteristics, Proposed Detection Methods, Nomenclature, Candidates, Detection Projects, Habitability
Famous quotes containing the word moon:
“The moon shines bright. In such a night as this,
When the sweet wind did gently kiss the trees,
And they did make no noise, in such a night
Troilus methinks mounted the Troyan walls,
And sighed his soul toward the Grecian tents,
Where Cressid lay that night.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)