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Difference Between Planet and Satellite: Differences, Types and Characteristics!

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The terms "planet" and "satellite" are often used to describe celestial bodies in space. The primary difference between a planet and a satellite is that planet can not be created by humans, but satellites can be man-made.

Despite many differences, they have some similarities too. The major difference between planet and satellite is based on their size, composition and relation with other celestial bodies. For example, planets may have their own atmosphere, but satellites generally lack atmosphere.

It is important to understand the difference between satellite and planet to understand their functioning. This topic is an important part of the science section of UPSC prelims (GS Paper 1) and mains (GS Paper 3).

In this article, all the major differences between planet and satellite are covered in detail.

What is a planet?

The term "planet" refers to a celestial object that orbits a star. It is spherical or nearly spherical in shape and has cleared its orbit of debris. Planets do not emit their own light. They reflect the light of their host star. Planets are members of the solar system, and our solar system has 8 planets. They are characterized by their gravitational influence, distinct orbits, and diverse compositions. Planets can vary in size. They can range from small rocky planets to large gas giants. Planets have been subjects of scientific exploration and study for centuries.

Types of Planets

A few types of planets that have been discovered are discussed in detail below.

Terrestrial Planets

Terrestrial planets, also known as rocky planets, are solid and have a compact composition. They are closer to the Sun. Terrestrial planets have thin or no atmospheres. Examples of terrestrial planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.

Gas Giants

Gas giants are large planets primarily composed of hydrogen and helium gases. They have thick atmospheres. Gas giants lack a well-defined solid surface. Jupiter and Saturn are examples of gas giants.

Ice Giants

Ice giants are similar to gas giants but have a significant amount of water, ammonia, and methane ice in their composition. Uranus and Neptune are classified as ice giants.

Dwarf Planets

Dwarf planets are celestial bodies. They are similar to planets in terms of their shape. Dwarf planets also orbit around the Sun but have not cleared their orbit of debris. Pluto, Eris, and Ceres are examples of dwarf planets.

Exoplanets

Exoplanets, or extrasolar planets, orbit stars outside our solar system. They have varied sizes and compositions. They include rocky, gas giants, and even habitable planets.

Super-Earths

Super-Earths are exoplanets that are larger and more massive as compared to Earth. But they are smaller than gas giants. They are predominantly rocky or have a combination of rock and ice.

Mini-Neptunes

Mini-Neptunes are exoplanets that have a similar size to Neptune but are less massive. They have a thick atmosphere. Their atmosphere is composed of helium and hydrogen and surrounds a rocky or icy core.

Hot Jupiters

Hot Jupiters are gas giant exoplanets. Hot Jupiters orbit very close to their host star, which leads to high temperatures. They often have extreme atmospheric conditions. This is due to their proximity to the star.

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Characteristics of a Planet

Some of the important characteristics of planets are:

  • Orbiting a Star: A planet orbits a star, such as our Sun. It follows a specific path around the star due to gravitational forces.
  • Spherical or Nearly Spherical Shape: Planets are generally round or close to round in shape. This is due to the force of gravity pulling the planet's material toward its centre.
  • Clearing its Orbit: A planet has cleared its orbit of debris. This means it has become gravitationally dominant in its region and has swept away or absorbed other smaller objects that once occupied its path.
  • Does Not Emit its Own Light: Planets do not produce their own light like stars do. They reflect their host star's light, making them visible to us.
  • Part of a Solar System: Planets are generally part of a solar system. For example, our solar system consists of eight planets, including Earth.
  • Varied Composition: Planets can have diverse compositions. Some planets are mainly composed of solid materials like rock and metal. But some are gas giants, consisting mostly of gases like hydrogen and helium. There are also ice giants, and they have a good amount of icy materials.
  • Gravity and Gravitational Pull: Planets have their own gravitational fields. This field influences objects around the planets. The strength of a planet's gravity is affected by two factors. They are the planet's mass and size.
  • Can Support Moons: Planets often have one or more natural satellites. These natural satellites are called moons, which orbit around them.

What is a Satellite?

A satellite is an object in space that orbits around a larger celestial body in space. Satellites are both natural and artificial. They continuously move around the object they are orbiting with the help of gravitational attraction between the satellite and the celestial body.

Types of Satellites

Based on their function, purpose, and orbital characteristics, satellites can be of many types. Some common types of satellites are discussed below:

Natural Satellite

  • Natural satellites or moons orbit planets, dwarf planets, or other large astronomical objects.
  • Examples of natural satellites are the moons of Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn.

Artificial Satellites

Artificial satellites are human-made.

  • They are placed into orbit around the Earth or other celestial bodies with some purpose.
    • Various purposes are communication, weather monitoring, navigation, scientific research, and military surveillance.
  • They are equipped with various instruments, sensors, and communication systems to achieve their objectives.

Characteristics of Satellites

Some of the important characteristics of satellites are:

  • Orbit: Satellites revolve in a regular and predictable path called the orbit. The orbit can be elliptical, circular, or any other shape depending on the mission and purpose.
  • Gravitational Dependence: Satellites stay in their orbits because of the gravitational pull of the celestial body they orbit. The centripetal force provided by this gravitational force keeps the satellite in a stable orbit.
  • Functionality: Artificial satellites are designed to perform specific functions or missions.
  • Communication: Communication satellites are used for long-distance communication. They transmit signals between ground-based stations.
  • Remote Sensing: Satellites are equipped with sensors and instruments.
    • They help in collecting data about Earth's or other planets'/ celestial bodies' surface, atmosphere, oceans, etc.
    • These types of satellites are used to monitor weather patterns, study environmental changes, map land features, and contribute to scientific research.
  • Navigation: Navigation satellites provide accurate positioning, timing, and navigation information.
    • A good example of a navigation satellite are satellites used in global positioning systems (GPS).
    • These satellites allow precise location determination and navigation services in various applications. These applications include aviation, maritime, and personal navigation devices.
  • Space Exploration: Robotic spacecraft and orbiters are launched as satellites to explore other planets, moons, asteroids, and other celestial bodies.
    • They gather valuable data and images and conduct scientific experiments to get more knowledge of the universe.
  • Orbital Altitude: Orbital altitude is the distance between Earth's surface and the satellite. It is measured in terms of height above the planet.
    • Satellites, as per their purpose, orbit at different altitudes depending.
      • For example, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites are closer to the Earth's surface.
    • They offer shorter communication delays.
    • Geostationary satellites orbit much higher. They remain fixed above Earth's equator at a specific point.

Difference between Planet and Satellite

The following table highlights the difference between satellite and planet in detail.

Basis of difference

Planet

Satellite

Definition

A celestial body that orbits around a star.

An object that revolves around a larger body.

Natural

Planets are natural.

It can be natural (moon) or artificial.

Size

Generally larger in size.

Smaller in size compared to planets.

Formation

Formed through accretion and gravitational collapse.

Formed through gravitational interaction with a larger body.

Composition

Composed of various elements, gases, and sometimes liquids.

Composed of various materials, including rock, ice, or gas.

Atmosphere

Planets may have atmospheres.

Satellites may have thin or no atmospheres.

Gravitational Pull

Planets have a significant gravitational pull.

Satellites are held in orbit by the gravitational pull of the larger body.

Orbits

Planets orbit around a star. E.g., Earth orbits around the Sun.

Satellites orbit around planets or larger celestial bodies.

Examples

Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn.

Moon (Earth's natural satellite), Ganymede, Titan.

Purpose

Not created or launched for a specific purpose.

Artificial satellites are launched for a specific purpose. E.g., communication, weather monitoring, navigation, etc.

Conclusion

Planets are celestial bodies that orbit around a star, and satellites revolve around larger celestial bodies or planets. Planets are generally larger in size. They have different types of composition and may have an atmosphere. They are formed through accretion and gravitational collapse. On the other hand, satellites can be natural (moons) or artificial and are smaller in size compared to planets. 

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Difference Between Planet and Satellite FAQs

There are many differences between a planet and a satellite, but the major difference is that a planet orbits around a star, while a satellite is an object that revolves around a larger celestial body or planet.

Saturn has 83 moons which makes it the planet with the most known satellites or moons.

Mercury and Venus do not have any known natural satellites or moons.

No. Satellites can orbit Earth or other celestial bodies. For example, Phobos and Deimos are natural satellites orbiting Mars.

Yes, satellites can be artificial. Artificial satellites are human-made. A few examples of artificial satellites are Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station
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