Earth observation satellites are satellites specifically designed to observe Earth from orbit, similar to reconnaissance satellites but intended for non-military uses such as environmental monitoring, meteorology, map making etc. A satellite is any object that orbits another object (which is known as its primary). ... Earth (often referred to as The Earth) is the third planet in the solar system in terms of distance from the Sun, and the fifth in order of size. ... In physics, an orbit is the path that an object makes, around another object, whilst under the influence of a source of centripetal force, such as gravity. ... A spy satellite (officially referred to as a reconnaissance satellite or recon sat) is an Earth observation satellite or communications satellite deployed for military or intelligence applications. ... Devils Punchbowl Waterfall, New Zealand. ... Satellite image of Hurricane Hugo with a polar low visible at the top of the image. ... Cartography or mapmaking (in Greek chartis = map and graphein = write) is the study and practice of making maps or globes. ...
(This observation allows for the discovery of extrasolar planets) If two objects are sufficiently close in mass, they are generally referred to as a binary system rather than a primary object and satellite.
The general criterion for an object to be a satellite is that the center of mass of the two objects is inside one of the objects.
All masses that are part of the solar system, including the Earth, are satellites of the Sun, or satellites of those objects, such as the Moon.
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