Differences Between Planets and Satellites: Definition, Axis Tilt, and more

TRIBUNNEWS.COM – Planets and satellites are two different celestial bodies.

To be called a planet, a celestial body must revolve around the Sun and generate enough gravitational force to pull the object into its orbit.

The objects being drawn include satellites, which are divided into natural and artificial satellites.

Apart from that, there are a number of other differences between a planet and a satellite.

Here are the differences between planets and satellites, quoted from the book IPA Class 7 Page 205 Independent Curriculum Chapter 7 and Britannica.

Also read: The composition of the Solar System: Sun, Inner Planets, Outer Planets, Comets, Meteorids and Asteroids

Difference between Planets and Satellites

1. Definition

Planets and satellites have a number of differences.

A planet is an astronomical object that orbits a star, while a satellite orbits relatively close to a planet or other celestial body with a larger mass.

Satellites are divided into two, namely natural and artificial satellites.

The word ‘Planet’ comes from the Greek, ‘Planetes’ which means wanderer.

While ‘Satellite’ comes from the word ‘Sateles’ which means to follow.

2. Axis Tilt

The axial tilt of a planet forms an angle to the plane of its star’s equator.