What term describes any astronomical body that revolves around a larger body?

Prepare for the USMC PiCAT Test. Challenge yourself with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Gain confidence with hints and explanations for each question. Get exam-ready today!

The term that describes any astronomical body that revolves around a larger body is "satellite." This term is broadly applied to any object that orbits a larger celestial body, which includes not only artificial satellites that humans have put into orbit around Earth but also natural satellites, such as moons that orbit planets.

For instance, the Moon is a natural satellite of Earth, while numerous moons orbit around other planets in our solar system. The key characteristic of a satellite is its dependent relationship with a larger body due to gravitational attraction, which governs its orbital path.

While planets, asteroids, and comets also occupy specific orbits within space, the defining characteristic of a satellite is its role as a smaller body revolving around a larger one, setting it apart from those other categories.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy