A satellite is a moon, a planet, or a machine that orbits a planet or a star. For example, the Earth is a satellite because it orbits the sun. Likewise, the moon is a satellite because it orbits the Earth. Generally, the word "satellite" refers to a machine that is launched into space and moves around the Earth or another body in space.
The Earth and the Moon are examples of natural satellites. Thousands of artificial or artificial satellites orbit the Earth. Some take pictures of the planet that help meteorologists predict the weather and track hurricanes. Some take pictures of other planets, the sun, black holes, dark matter, or distant galaxies. These images help scientists better understand the solar system and the universe.
Why are satellites important?
The bird's-eye view that satellites have allows them to see large areas of the Earth at once. This capability means that satellites can collect more data, more quickly, than instruments on the ground.
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