A minor-planet moon is an astronomical body that orbits a minor planet as its natural satellite. It is thought that many asteroids and Kuiper belt objects may possess moons, in some cases quite substantial in size. Discoveries of minor-planet moons (and binary objects, in general) are important because the determination of their orbits provides estimates on the mass and density of the primary, allowing insights of their physical properties that is generally not otherwise possible. As of November 2011, there are over 200 minor planets known to have moons.
Read more about Minor-planet Moon: Terminology, Discovery Milestones, Commonality, Origin, Populations, Dwarf Planets
Famous quotes containing the word moon:
“The sea is calm to-night.
The tide is full, the moon lies fair
Upon the straits;—”
—Matthew Arnold (1822–1888)