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What makes a moon a moon is the fact that it is smaller than the object it is orbiting, and is orbiting the object (the planet) constantly.

The definition of a moon is "a natural satellite revolving around a planet". Since a satellite is an object that orbits a bigger object, usually a planet, and is not a planet due to its small size, it is considered a moon and not another planet.

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How is a moon different from a dwarf planet?

Generally, a dwarf planet orbits only the sun, whereas a moon orbits a planet, which in turn orbits a sun.


How is a planet different from a dwarf planet and the moon?

A planet is bigger than a dwarf planet and the Moon. A planet revolves around the Sun directly in its own orbit, but so does a dwarf planet. However, the planet is the dominant object in its orbital region. A dwarf planet is not the dominant object. That's the important difference.


Where is dwarf planet Hi'iaka?

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Is a dwarf planet the same as a moon?

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Is Europa a planet or a moon or a dwarf planet?

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When was Charon the dwarf planet discovered?

It was discovered in 1978. But it's not a dwarf planet. It's a moon of the dwarf planet Pluto.


Why is Ganymede not considered a dwarf planet?

A dwarf planet is not considered a planet because it does not dominate its orbital path and cannot clear that path of debris.


How is Pluto different from the other gas planets?

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Is Pluto considered a moon?

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Is Pluto a moon or a planet?

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Why did Pluto go from being a planet to a moon?

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