60,000+ students trusted us with their dreams. Take the first step today!
One app for all your study abroad needs
Answer: No, the Moon is neither a planet nor a star. The Moon is a natural satellite of the Earth. Before moving forward with the answer, let’s understand what the Moon is.
The Moon is a large, round object made of rock and dust. It revolves around the Earth and reflects sunlight, which is why we see it glowing in the night sky. But this does not mean it produces its own light like a star.
Why Isn’t the Moon a Planet?
A planet is defined as a large object that:
- Orbits a star (like the Sun),
- Has cleared its orbit of other debris,
- Has enough gravity to form a spherical shape.
The Moon does not meet the first condition, it doesn’t orbit the Sun directly. Instead, it orbits the Earth, which itself orbits the Sun. So, it cannot be classified as a planet. Also, planets do not orbit other planets. The Moon orbits a planet (Earth), which makes it a satellite, not a planet.
Why Isn’t the Moon a Star?
Stars are massive balls of hot gases like hydrogen and helium. They produce their own light and heat through nuclear fusion happening at their core. Our Sun is a perfect example of a star.
The Moon, on the other hand:
- Does not produce its own light.
- Reflects sunlight that falls on it.
- Is made of solid rock, not gases.
So, clearly, the Moon is not a star either.
What is a Natural Satellite?
A natural satellite is a celestial body that orbits a planet. The Moon is Earth’s only natural satellite. It’s different from artificial satellites, which are man-made (like the ones we launch for communication and GPS).
Many planets in our solar system have moons. For example:
- Jupiter has over 90 moons!
- Saturn has more than 100 confirmed moons.
- But Earth has just one natural satellite, and that is the Moon.
The Moon is a natural satellite, not a planet or a star. It orbits the Earth, reflects sunlight, and does not generate its own energy. It plays an important role in Earth’s tides and stabilises the planet’s rotation.
Common Doubts on Physics:
