IN SHORT Natural satellites : celestial objects in orbit around a larger body. Examples : the Moon as a satellite of the Earth. Total number within the Solar system : about 220 satellites. Essential role in the dynamics of planetary systems. Influence on the tides and climates of planets. Study of natural satellites to understand … Read more
IN BRIEF Giant gas planets: Jupiter and Saturn, formed nearly 5 billion years ago. Recent discovery of wandering double giant planets in the Orion nebula. Observation of planetary birth through gravitational collapse. Mysteries surrounding the formation and atmospheres of gas giants. Effects of atmospheric phenomena on Jupiter, including hurricanes and clouds. New theoretical models proposed … Read more
IN BRIEF Exploration of the solar system: impact on scientific thinking Discovery of Neptune by Urbain le Verrier in 1846 Comprehensive overview of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies by Peter Bond Role of probes and spacecraft in understanding our system Importance of observation tools: telescopes and remote-controlled probes Rapid evolution of exploration in the … Read more