A planetary satellite, also known as a moon, is a natural celestial object that orbits a planet. Moons are gravitationally bound to their parent planets and typically orbit them in stable, elliptical paths.

Key characteristics of planetary satellites include:

1. **Orbit**: Moons orbit their parent planets in elliptical, nearly circular paths. The size, shape, and orientation of a moon’s orbit depend on factors such as its distance from the planet, the planet’s mass, and the presence of other moons or gravitational influences.

2. **Stability**: Moons are gravitationally bound to their parent planets, meaning they are held in orbit by the planet’s gravitational pull. Stable orbits are maintained through a balance between the gravitational force pulling the moon toward the planet and the moon’s orbital velocity, which prevents it from falling into the planet or escaping into space.

3. **Formation**: Moons can form through various processes, including gravitational capture, where a passing object is captured by a planet’s gravity and becomes its moon, and accretion, where moons form from the debris left over from the planet’s formation. Some moons may also be formed through collisions between planetary bodies or the breakup of larger objects.

4. **Size and Composition**: Moons vary widely in size, composition, and surface features. Some moons are small and irregularly shaped, while others are large and spherical. Moons can be composed of rock, ice, or a combination of both, and they may have atmospheres, surfaces, and geologic features similar to those found on planets.

5. **Interaction with Planet**: Moons interact with their parent planets in various ways, influencing the planet’s rotation, tides, and orbital dynamics. For example, the gravitational pull of a moon can cause tides on the planet’s surface and may contribute to the planet’s overall stability and orbital characteristics.

6. **Exploration**: Moons have been the subject of extensive exploration by spacecraft and robotic missions. Studying moons can provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of planetary systems, as well as the potential for habitability and the presence of resources.

Some well-known examples of planetary satellites include Earth’s moon, which is the fifth-largest moon in the solar system, and Saturn’s moon Titan, which is larger than the planet Mercury and has a thick atmosphere and surface lakes of liquid methane and ethane.

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