Three deference between natural and artificial satellites
1. Origin: The main difference between natural and artificial satellites lies in their origin. Natural satellites, such as the moon, are celestial bodies that naturally orbit around larger bodies like planets or asteroids due to gravitational forces. On the other hand, artificial satellites are human-made objects intentionally launched into space to perform various functions like communication, weather observation, or scientific research.
2. Composition: Natural satellites are typically made up of celestial materials, like rock, ice, or gas, depending on their composition and formation. For example, the moon is composed of rock and has a solid surface. In contrast, artificial satellites are made up of human-engineered materials like metals, plastics, or composites. They are constructed to withstand the harsh environment of space and to fulfill specific purposes.
3. Size and Shape: Natural satellites are usually larger in size compared to artificial satellites. For instance, the moon, Earth's natural satellite, has a diameter of about 2,159 miles (3,474 kilometers). In contrast, artificial satellites can vary significantly in size, ranging from small cubesats weighing a few kilograms to large communication satellites weighing several tons. Additionally, natural satellites are typically spherical or irregularly shaped due to their formation processes, while artificial satellites often have more defined and geometric structures.