The Earth revolves around the sun. Then, Why is it not called a satell...
Introduction:
The Earth revolves around the sun, but it is not considered a satellite. To understand why, we need to delve into the definitions and characteristics of satellites and planets.
Satellites:
- Satellites are celestial bodies that orbit around a larger object, such as a planet or a star.
- They are typically smaller than the object they orbit and are gravitationally bound to it.
- Satellites can be natural, like moons, or artificial, like man-made spacecraft.
Planets:
- Planets are celestial bodies that orbit around a star.
- They are larger in size than satellites and do not orbit other objects.
- Planets are not gravitationally bound to any specific object.
Difference between Earth and Satellites:
1. Size: The Earth is significantly larger than any known satellite in our solar system. Satellites are generally much smaller in comparison.
2. Orbiting: Satellites orbit around a specific object, while the Earth orbits around the sun. It does not revolve around any other celestial body in the same way that satellites revolve around planets.
3. Gravitational Binding: Satellites are gravitationally bound to the object they orbit. The Earth, on the other hand, is not gravitationally bound to any specific object. It follows an elliptical orbit around the sun due to the gravitational pull between the two bodies.
4. Clearing its Orbit: According to the International Astronomical Union's definition of a planet, a planet must "clear its orbit" of other debris and celestial bodies. The Earth has cleared the majority of its orbit of debris, while satellites orbiting planets have not achieved this criteria.
Conclusion:
Although the Earth revolves around the sun, it is not considered a satellite due to its size, orbiting characteristics, lack of gravitational binding, and the fact that it has cleared its orbit. Satellites, on the other hand, are smaller celestial bodies that orbit around planets or stars.
The Earth revolves around the sun. Then, Why is it not called a satell...
Satellites revolve around Planets. Sun is a Star and not a planet hence Earth is not a satellite of the Sun.
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