Natural Satellites
A natural satellite, also called a moon, is a solar system body that orbits another solar system body that is not the Sun. The body being orbited can be a planet, minor planet or comet. Natural satellites are typically smaller than the body being orbited, but the size can vary within this constraint. With Wolfram|Alpha, you can explore the full set of natural satellites, which range in size from a mile or so in diameter to the size of Mercury or larger. The orbits of natural satellites can be prograde or retrograde and circular or elliptical, and their rotation may be constrained by tidally locking to the object they orbit. Some natural satellites have significant atmospheres.
Natural Satellites
Query for natural satellites by proper names or provisional names, which are based on their discovery date and the body they orbit.
Compute the location and get properties of a moon:
Compare several moons:
Display a map of a moon:
Explore mountains, craters and other surface features on our Moon and other natural satellites in our solar system.
Explore albedo features:
Query for eruptive centers on moons:
Compare the sizes of features:
Properties of Natural Satellites
Explore many properties of natural satellites, which may include physical properties, including maps, as well as orbital properties.
Get a property of a moon:
Compare properties of multiple moons:
Do computations with properties of planets, moons, etc.:
Compute the distance to the horizon:
Investigate the changing phases, which range from new moon to full moon, of the Earth's Moon throughout the month.