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Natural Satellites

A natural satellite is any celestial body in space that orbits around a larger body, typically a planet. These objects are also commonly known as moons.

Types of Natural Satellites

Historical Context

The study of natural satellites has been integral to astronomy since ancient times. The first known recorded observation of a moon other than Earth's was made by Galileo Galilei in 1610 when he discovered the four largest moons of Jupiter, now known as the Galilean moons.

Notable Natural Satellites

Scientific Importance

Natural satellites provide insights into planetary formation, the composition of the solar system, and the history of planetary systems. They are studied for:

Exploration

Human exploration has been limited to the Moon, but numerous robotic missions have been sent to study other natural satellites. Notable missions include:

Sources

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