Planet and Satellites are two astronomical bodies with many fundamental differences between them
For starters, a planet is a body orbiting a star that is big enough to be rounded by its gravity, not massive to cause a thermonuclear reaction.
A satellite is an object in space that orbits or circles around a larger object. Out of this, there are two types of satellites: Natural and Artificial Satellite.
This article will further highlight the differences between Planet and Satellite within the context of the IAS Exam.
Differences between Planet and Satellite
| Planet |
Satellite |
| As per modern definitions, any astronomical body orbiting a star can be classified as a planet | Satellites both natural and artificial, orbit relatively close to planets or any other celestial body with a relatively bigger mass. |
| The axial tilt of the planet is at an angle to the plane of their star’s equators. This causes the amount of light received in the hemisphere to vary throughout its span of rotation | Satellites orbiting relatively close to the planets on uninclined circular orbits are thought to have been formed out of a collision between two astronomical bodies |
| The term ‘planet’ is derived from the Greek word “planan” meaning “to wander”. | The term ‘satellite’ is derived from the Latin word ‘satelles’ meaning ‘to follow” or “to attend to” |
| Planets rotate around the invisible axes through their centers. Most of the planets in the solar system orbit the sun | Natural Satellites in the Solar System are tidally locked to their respective planet, meaning that the same side of the natural satellite always faces its planet. |
| The huge size of the planet is responsible for the domination of the gravitational force over the electromagnetic force. This results in hydrostatic equilibrium. | The mass of satellites will always be smaller from that of planets and they will be reliant upon the planet’s gravity for it to orbit. |
| Examples of planets are Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, etc. | Examples of satellites are the Moon orbiting the Earth, Titan orbiting Saturn and Europa orbiting Jupiter |
After learning about the difference between Planets and Stars, refer to the below-given links to comprehensively prepare for the Science and Technology Section of the Civil Service Exam.
- Science and Technology Notes for UPSC
- How to Tackle Science and Technology for UPSC
- General Science Preparation for UPSC
- Science and Technology MCQs for UPSC
Aspirants can find more Difference Between Articles, by visiting the linked page
Difference Between Planet and Satellite – Download PDF Here
Become familiar with the general pattern of the IAS Exam by visiting the UPSC Syllabus page. For more exam-related preparation materials, refer to the links given in the table below:
Related Links
| NCERT Books Free Download | UPSC Exam Pattern | NCERT Notes for UPSC |
| Intangible Cultural Heritage | Indian Personalities | PIB Summary and Analysis |
| Biological Weathering | Safety Valve Theory | WPI Index |
