What planet does Deimos orbit?

The enigmatic satellites of Mars, Phobos and Deimos, are two of the most enigmatic moons in the entire solar system. Among the terrestrial planets, Mars is the sole planet to boast not just one, but two moons. However, what makes Phobos and Deimos truly astonishing is the fact that no other moon in our solar system is as intimately close to its respective planet as these two moons are to Mars.

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Mars, the crimson planet that Ilon Musk envisions as a future home for humanity, possesses a pair of peculiarly contoured moons, Phobos and Deimos. In contrast to the moon of Earth, Phobos and Deimos are diminutive in size, measuring a mere 13.8 and 7.8 miles (22.2 and 12.5 kilometers) in diameter, correspondingly. Due to their atypical shape and composition resembling meteorites, astronomers have long regarded these satellites as asteroids and assumed that Mars was unaccompanied.

In August 1877, the American astronomer Asaph Hall made the groundbreaking discovery that Mars possesses both inner and outer moons. These two celestial bodies orbiting the red planet were subsequently named Phobos and Deimos, as proposed by the English chemist Henry Madan. What adds further intrigue to this story is that the planet Mars itself derives its name from the Roman god of war, with its two moons taking inspiration from the twin horses (Phobos and Deimos, symbolizing fear and panic respectively) belonging to the Greek equivalent of the Roman god Ares.

Mars together with its moons Phobos and Deimos. NASA

An in-depth examination of the moons of Mars

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The length of an average solar day on Mars is 24 hours and 37 minutes. Deimos, the smaller moon, is situated approximately 14,576 miles (23,458 km) away from the center of Mars, and it takes around 30 hours for it to complete one orbit around the red planet. On the other hand, Phobos, which is located just 3,700 miles (5,955 kilometers) above the surface of Mars, has an orbital period of 7.66 hours. Consequently, Phobos can complete three full orbits around Mars in a single day.

Scientists have analyzed data gathered by multiple Mars rovers and have determined that due to its proximity to the red planet, Phobos may eventually be dismantled by the gravitational force exerted by Mars. Additionally, Phobos is gradually getting closer to Mars at a rate of 1.8 centimeters (0.7 inches) per century. This suggests that within the next 50 million years, Phobos will either collide with Mars or disintegrate into smaller pieces, forming a ring around the planet. Hence, Phobos is commonly referred to as the ill-fated moon of Mars.

A photograph of Deimos taken by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Credit: NASA, JPL-caltech, University of Arizona/Wikimedia Commons

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The distance between the Earth and its moon is 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometers). This distance allows for unobstructed views of the moon from Earth, unlike Mars. Due to the close orbit of Phobos and Deimos, the curvature of the red planet obscures them from being seen by observers on the planet’s surface.

This is the reason why both satellites cannot be seen from areas of the planet that are located more than 70 degrees north or south (83 degrees for Deimos) of the planet’s equator. Additionally, if you happen to be in the equatorial region of Mars (which is the best place to observe the Martian moons), Phobos will appear to you as a motionless asteroid, while Deimos will simply look like a small star.

Similar to our own moon, both Martian moons revolve around Mars in an eastward direction, with Phobos traveling at a speed of 4782.5 mph (approximately 7700 km/h) and Deimos moving at a speed of 3022.7 mph (4864.5 km/h).

A picture of Phobos taken by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Credit: NASA, JPL-caltech, University of Arizona/Wikimedia Commons

Theories on the origin of Phobos and Deimos

The two natural satellites of Mars resemble two small asteroids. Data from NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft indicate that they are made up of C-type space rocks, which are primarily found in carbonaceous chondrite meteorites and asteroids.

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Thomas Zurbuchen, an associate administrator in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, believes that unraveling the mystery surrounding the origins of Mars’ moons will enhance our understanding of planetary formation not only within our solar system but also in other star systems.

The Martian moons, being the smallest and faintest in our solar system, defy conventional satellite characteristics, leaving astronomers uncertain about their precise genesis. According to one hypothesis, during Mars’ early formation, the planet collided with another celestial object from a different solar system. This collision resulted in the ejection of numerous molten rocks, which subsequently gathered in orbits around Mars.

Due to the force of gravity, it is possible that the molten rocks may have come together to create large clusters, which eventually formed into Phobos and Deimos. Some astronomers support this theory by pointing out the similarities in mineral composition between Mars and its moons. For instance, both Phobos and Mars have soil that is rich in phyllosilicates. Consequently, it is plausible that the Martian moons originated from the red planet itself. This concept is also reminiscent of the collision hypothesis, which suggests that the Earth collided with the hypothetical planet Teia 4.5 billion years ago, resulting in the formation of the moon as a result of the molten debris from the impact.

There is another theory that offers an explanation for the origin of the Martian moons, and it is connected to the asteroid belt located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. The asteroid belt is home to numerous carbonaceous C-type asteroids, leading many astronomers to speculate that Phobos and Deimos are actually asteroids that broke free from the belt and, over time, were pulled into orbit by the gravitational pull of Mars. This process is known as asteroid capture.

Source: GooKingSword/Pixabay

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For billions of years, Phobos and Deimos have been circling Mars in their almost circular orbits. However, actual captured asteroids in our solar system cannot maintain stable orbits for such a long time. Additionally, Mars’ atmosphere is too thin to slow down captured asteroids sufficiently, preventing them from settling into their current orbits.

In 2021, a team of researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) and the U.S. Naval Observatory proposed that Deimos and Phobos originated from a single “protoluna” during the early stages of lunar development. Geophysicist Amirhossein Bagheri led the team, which combined data from NASA’s InSight rover with information about tidal interaction on Mars.

The scientists have reached the conclusion that during its formation, Mars was accompanied by a protoluna, which later divided into two parts and took up positions in circular and elliptical orbits around Mars. As time passed, the tidal energy from the massive red planet caused the elliptical orbit to evolve into a circular one as well.

The researchers of the study propose that a majority of the protoluna, now known as Phobos, was situated in an elliptical orbit and gradually spiraled closer to Mars due to the dissipation of tidal energy. On the other hand, Deimos, which had a circular orbit from the beginning, did not experience energy dissipation and continued to move away from Mars.

However, the variations in the orbital motion of both Martian moons and the discrepancies between their orbits suggest that it is improbable for Phobos and Deimos to have formed from a single celestial body.

Source: Noupload/Pixabay

Fascinating information about Mars, Phobos, and Deimos

Mars is unique among the Earth-group planets because it has two moons. Interestingly, no other moon in our solar system orbits its planet as closely as Phobos and Deimos do to Mars. Here are some other captivating details about the red planet and its satellites:

– JAXA, the space agency of Japan, has announced its plans to send a lander to Phobos in 2024 as part of the Mars Moons eXploration (MMX) mission. The purpose of the mission is to collect rock and soil samples from the moon and bring them back to Earth in 2029. The data obtained from this mission is expected to contribute significantly to the study of the origin of Phobos and Deimos, the two moons of Mars. While Japan is currently leading the way in exploring these Martian moons, they are not the first to show interest in them. Back in 1988, the Soviet Union made two unsuccessful attempts to explore Phobos with their Phobos-1 and Phobos-2 probes.
– In the past, Johannes Kepler, a renowned astronomer, hypothesized that since Jupiter has four moons and Earth has one, Mars must have two moons located in between. However, he was unable to provide concrete evidence to support this assumption.
– Another fascinating fact about Mars is that it is home to the largest volcano in our entire solar system, known as Mount Olympus or Olympus Mons. This massive volcano is estimated to be about 16 miles (25 kilometers) tall and 374 miles (624 kilometers) in diameter. To put it into perspective, the largest volcano on Earth, Mauna Loa, spans only 75 miles (120 kilometers). The colossal size of Olympus Mons can be grasped by the astonishing fact that it can accommodate around 100 Mauna Loa volcanoes within its boundaries.

One notable characteristic of Phobos is the existence of the expansive Stickney crater on its surface, which spans a distance of 6 miles (9.6 kilometers). The initial space probe to uncover Stickney was NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor; due to this crater, the Martian moon showcases prominent depressions resembling divots. Deimos also possesses two craters, namely Voltaire and Swift (named after renowned writers Voltaire and Jonathan Swift), each measuring approximately 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) in diameter.

Phobos and Deimos have the potential to unravel a multitude of enigmas regarding the genesis of Mars and our solar system. The examination of these diminutive satellites may grant us a deeper comprehension of the planet that we envision colonizing in the future. With anticipation, the upcoming Japanese MMX mission will unveil a selection of the most enthralling enigmas harbored by the Martian moons.

Satellites headline

Planetary satellites are the perpetual companions of large or dwarf celestial bodies. They are compelled to forever remain within the gravitational field of their more dominant neighbor. Simultaneously, the celestial body and the satellite have a reciprocal impact on each other.

What constitutes a satellite

Satellites in outer space are natural celestial objects. They are perpetually situated near celestial bodies due to the formidable gravity of the celestial body, and they orbit around it. Some possess an entire cluster of such objects, while others, such as our Earth, have only one, excluding man-made ones.

Basic details

In ancient times, humanity had no knowledge about satellites, and the term did not exist. However, our Moon has always captured attention, possessed a mysterious allure, and evoked superstitious sentiments. It was only later that people discovered that other planets also have their own moons. The number of objects accompanying the central celestial body can vary significantly, ranging from one to several dozen, while a couple of planets do not have any moons at all.

  • Mercury – 0.
  • Venus – 0.
  • Earth – 1.
  • Mars – 2.
  • Jupiter – 67.
  • Saturn – 82.
  • Uranus – 27.
  • Neptune – 14.

Each of these moons possesses distinct characteristics in terms of their shape, size, and mass.

Most of the celestial companions lack metal and are primarily composed of rock and ice. This is the reason why they have a lower density compared to their gravitational centers. A few of these planetary satellites even possess their own, albeit thin, atmosphere:

  • Rhea;
  • Moon;
  • Europa;
  • Callisto;
  • Enceladus;
  • Ganymede;
  • Triton;
  • Dione;
  • Titan;
  • Io.

Ganymede and Europa have the most tenuous atmospheres, while Titan has the most dense atmosphere, leading scientists to speculate the possibility of some form of life existing there.

The satellites of the planets in the Earth’s group include: the Moon for Earth, and Phobos and Deimos for Mars.

Without an atmosphere, the remaining objects are exposed to the vastness of space and are vulnerable to meteor impacts. As a result, their surfaces are marked with numerous craters, canyons, faults, and rifts. Additionally, some of these objects boast active volcanoes, such as Io, where craters eject scorching sulfur hundreds of miles into the void. Europa, on the other hand, shows potential for hosting extraterrestrial life forms as it might possess a liquid ocean hidden beneath its icy cap.

Discovering natural satellites

The study of natural satellites in our solar system is an ongoing endeavor. One of the most accessible and well-explored satellites is the Moon. Over the years, various countries, including the Soviet Union, the United States, and even China, have sent lunar rovers to explore its surface. But it’s not just the Moon that captures our attention. Thanks to advanced technology like the Hubble telescope and spacecraft, we are able to observe and study other objects in our solar system as well. The Voyager spacecraft, for example, has provided us with stunning images of satellites like Callisto, Europa, Io, and Ganymede. As we look to the future, there are both public and private initiatives underway to further explore and understand the various objects in space.

Captured Moons of the Planets in the Solar System

The formation and origin of natural satellites in the solar system is not well understood in modern astronomy, although there are several theories on this topic. It is believed that smaller objects, such as asteroids, may have been captured by planets after being formed from leftover materials during the formation of the star system. Larger moons could have been created by the destruction of planets or captured from the Kuiper Belt, which is home to various planetoids. Examples of such captured moons include Triton and even our own Moon. Another theory suggests that the largest moons may have formed through the condensation of the primordial materials present in the solar nebula.

Categories: Classification of Satellites into Artificial and Natural

There exist two primary classifications for celestial bodies that orbit around more massive gravitational centers.

  • Artificial: These are known as man-made spacecraft, designed to function in the vacuum of space and observe planets and satellites. These devices orbit not only around the Earth but also around Mars and Venus.
  • Natural Satellites: These are natural formations that have acquired a spherical shape over time and revolve around a planet, which in turn orbits the Sun.

The theory that suggests that most of these celestial bodies are fragments that have separated as a result of catastrophic events involving the planets themselves is supported by the composition of lunar rocks. This composition is quite similar to that of the Earth.

The destiny of satellites in outer space

Just like humans, eternal companions in space have their own fate – past, present, and future. Despite being gravitationally connected, their paths may diverge over time. And the fact that this time is measured in millions and billions of years is not a concern – for infinity, a million years is merely a moment. The Moon is gradually drifting away from the Earth (at a rate of approximately 2 inches per year), and it’s possible that future generations will only be able to observe it through a telescope.

There are other possibilities as well – Phobos is getting closer to Mars and will eventually collide with its atmosphere. Other planetary satellites can be torn apart by tidal forces caused by the gravitational pull of the central body, transforming into dust and forming rings, similar to those found around Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune.

Dactyl, which is only one mile in diameter, is often recognized as the smallest satellite in the solar system. It is unique because it orbits an asteroid rather than a planet. On the other hand, Ganymede holds the prestigious title of being the largest moon in our solar system. With a diameter of 5268 km, Ganymede is even larger than the planet Mercury. Although it is slightly smaller than Earth, Ganymede’s volume is more than twice that of the Moon.

Fascinating Trivia

Almost every satellite, regardless of their number, possesses captivating attributes.

  • Charon, which orbits Pluto, is merely half the size of its “master” and appears quite menacing from its surface. Particularly during sunrise, when it seems as though it could collide with the edges of the highlands and crumble onto the surface.
  • Titan, held together by the gravitational force of Saturn, boasts a dense atmosphere and lakes filled with liquid hydrocarbon.
  • Europa – it is plausible that it conceals an ocean of thermal springs underneath its icy shell, akin to the trenches found in Earth’s oceans where a diverse array of life thrives amidst the radiant hydrogen sulfide.
  • Io harbors active volcanoes.

Countless celestial bodies offer a plethora of captivating information.

What is the purpose of satellites for the planets in the solar system?

The planets in the solar system rely on natural satellites for various reasons. These satellites play a crucial role in influencing the planetary climate and also provide protection against asteroids, comets, and other potential cosmic threats.

Deimos: facts about the smaller Martian satellite

The satellite Deimos is a celestial body that orbits around the planet Mars. This article provides a detailed description of Deimos, including its mass, size, and important facts. It also discusses how Deimos was discovered and the process of its formation. Additionally, the article explores the origin of its name and the mythological significance associated with it. Furthermore, it delves into the composition of Deimos and the craters present on its surface.

Facts about Deimos – explanation for kids

  • Deimos has a radius of 6.2 km.
  • It is located at a distance of 23,458 km from the center of the planet.
  • Deimos has its closest approach at the same distance of 23,458 km.
  • The farthest distance from the planet is also 23,458 km.
  • Its orbit has a very low eccentricity of 0.0002.
  • The orbital inclination of Deimos is 1.788 degrees.
  • It takes approximately 30 hours for Deimos to complete one orbit around the planet.
  • Deimos has a mass of 1.4762 x 10 15 kg.
  • The density of Deimos is 1.471 g/cm 3 .
  • The surface density of Deimos is 0.003 m/s 2 .
  • Deimos moves at a speed of 20 km/h.

Parents or teachers can start explaining to children that out of all the terrestrial planets, Mars is the only one with two moons. Deimos, one of those moons, is smaller and resembles an asteroid.

Therefore, Deimos is Mars’ lesser moon, with a total of two moons orbiting the planet. On August 12, 1877, Asaph Hall, an American astronomer, intentionally sought out Martian moons and became the first to discover Deimos. For young readers. it’s worth noting that he found Phobos just six days later. However, Johannes Kepler had mathematically predicted their existence a few years prior. Nonetheless, it was Hall who directly observed them in outer space.

Using a 26-inch refractor from the American Observatory in Washington, Columbia, he thoroughly explored all the regions surrounding the planet. As he approached Mars itself, he came across Deimos at a distance of 23,458 kilometers from its center. Phobos, on the other hand, was even closer. Due to their limited range and small size, both moons were concealed within the planet’s shadow.

It is important to clarify to the children that the names of the Martian moons were inspired by Greek mythology. Deimos, meaning “flight,” and Phobos, meaning “fear,” were twin brothers and the sons of Mars (Ares), the Greek god of war.

Discovering Deimos: A Kid-Friendly Explanation of a Satellite

Kids need to understand that exploring satellites has been happening for centuries. In 1971, Mariner 9 made history by becoming the first satellite to successfully enter the orbit of a foreign planet – Mars. What made this mission even more exciting was the surprising discovery of two satellites, Phobos and Deimos. Unlike most satellites, these Martian moons resembled potatoes rather than the typical spherical shape. Observing Phobos was particularly challenging due to its tidal locking, which caused one side to constantly face the planet.

Recent studies have been revealing the enigmas of the satellites. In the late 1970s, Viking made a flyby, followed by the Soviet Phobos-2, NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor, and Europe’s Mars Express. Moreover, the rovers on the Martian surface (Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity) have provided invaluable assistance. Additionally, NASA’s MAVEN has been conducting observations of the moon in an effort to gain deeper insights into its composition.

The explanation of how the satellite Deimos was formed and its composition – for kids

The appearance of Deimos, the satellite of Mars, was quite puzzling. It was discovered that the dark satellite is made up of materials that are similar to type I or II carbonaceous chondrites, which are found in asteroids and dwarf planets like Ceres. Deimos has a radius of only 6.2 kilometers, which suggests that it may have originated from an asteroid (both moons were pushed out of the asteroid belt by the gravity of Jupiter and then captured by Mars).

However, we cannot be 100% certain about this. It’s important to explain to the children that Deimos has a very close and almost circular orbit around Mars. It takes approximately 30 hours for Deimos to complete one orbit around Mars, which is a little longer than a Martian day. To achieve this orbit, Deimos would need to use atmospheric braking, but the atmosphere of Mars is too thin for this to be possible.

Looking from the surface of Mars, Deimos appears to be a shining star. When there is a full moon, it shines as brightly as Venus. Venus. Regrettably, the Martian satellites will not remain in orbit around Mars forever. In 100 million years, Phobos will collide with the Red Planet, while Deimos will continue to move away as its distance increases.

The moon of Mars, Deimos, is marked with craters that are distinct from those found on other celestial bodies. Typically, when a rock collides with another object, the debris from the impact is ejected and falls back onto the surface. However, due to their small size, these objects need to reach a speed of 20 kilometers per hour in order to be launched into space. Although the moon is covered in regolith, which can be up to 100 meters deep, this regolith is actually created by meteorites that have been destroyed upon impact.

Only two craters on Deimos have been named. In 1726, Jonathan Swift referenced Kepler’s work in his creation of Gulliver’s Travels, and later Voltaire also mentioned the two moons in his writing. The honor of having a crater named after them came later.

We hope you found the information on Mars’ moon Deimos to be helpful. When explaining to children, it’s best to provide engaging facts, photos, videos, and illustrations to ensure clear understanding. Additionally, our 3D model of the solar system, which includes a detailed map of Mars, surface features, and moons, is sure to captivate children of all ages. Although some claim to be able to observe Phobos in real-time using an online telescope, this is unlikely due to its considerable distance from Earth and small size.

Discover more about Mars’ moon:

Mars satellites

Out of all the terrestrial planets, Mars is the only one that possesses two satellites known as Phobos and Deimos. These small celestial bodies pique our curiosity and raise questions about the origins and evolution of our solar system.

Challenges in discerning the moons of Mars

When it comes to their appearance, the Martian satellites Phobos and Deimos bear a striking resemblance to asteroids. Measuring a mere 22 km and 13 km respectively, they rank as the tiniest moons in the entire system. Furthermore, they are composed of carbonaceous chondrites of type I or II, which are typically found in asteroids. The elongated shapes of these moons only add to their peculiarity.

The image of Deimos was captured by the HiRISE camera on MRO on February 21, 2009. The moon spans 7.5 miles in diameter. It is endowed with a smooth surface layer due to a coating of fragmentary rock (regolith). It resembles another Martian satellite, Phobos, in its dark red coloration. This image combines exposures in near-IR, red, and blue-green wavelengths. Subtle color variations are noticeable in the enhanced color, with reds representing smooth areas and pale colors representing craters and ridges. Variations in color are based on effects on the surface material.

Even when observed from Mars, the satellites do not have a similar appearance. Deimos, in particular, resembles a typical star. On the other hand, Phobos is located closer to Mars but has an apparent size that is only 1/3 of the Moon’s. It is situated 6,000 kilometers away and its surface is scattered with fragments that were ejected from the Red Planet due to impacts.

Deimos is positioned at a distance of 20,069 kilometers from Mars, which results in a 30-hour orbital pass.

Origin of the Satellites of Mars

The enigmatic appearance of the Martian satellites has long puzzled scientists, leading them to speculate that these objects may actually be asteroids. It was theorized that Jupiter’s gravitational pull could have dislodged them from the asteroid belt located between Jupiter and Mars, causing them to be propelled towards the Red Planet. However, the orbital paths of the satellites do not align with this hypothesis. Instead, they remain stable and move in nearly circular orbits, suggesting an alternative explanation. It is possible that these satellites originated from leftover debris resulting from previous celestial encounters.

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Uncovering and Demise of Mars’ Satellites

This satellite can be considered a mortal. Mars got its name after the Roman deity and patron saint of war. It has two moons, Phobos (fear) and Deimos (panic). It is believed that they may be captured asteroids attracted from the belt between Mars and Jupiter. Large Phobos is endowed with a crater-like surface. It is not just orbiting close to the planet, but is shortening the distance with each passing century. If this continues, in 100 million years it will crash into Mars or be torn by gravity in orbit, forming a ring.

For a significant period, scientists held the belief that Mars was a desolate place. The notion of the presence of satellites surrounding the planet was initially proposed by Johannes Kepler, but it was purely based on his mathematical calculations. It was not until 1877 when Asaph Hall conducted an extensive survey that the existence of Deimos (discovered on August 12) and Phobos (discovered on August 18) was confirmed.

The names of these moons were derived from Ares, the Roman god of war (known as Mars in Roman mythology). Phobos, meaning fear, and Deimos, meaning panic, were chosen to reflect the association with war. However, Mars will not always have these companions. Every century, Phobos gets 1.8 meters closer to Mars. In 50 million years, the moon will either collide with the planet or disintegrate due to gravitational forces.

Exploring the Satellites of Mars

Up until now, there has not been a specific mission dedicated solely to studying the satellites of Mars. However, the various landers that have been sent to the planet have managed to capture images of both Mars and its satellites while orbiting around. The first lander to do so was Mariner 9 in 1971, which was able to photograph distant objects.

Other missions, such as Viking (1970s-1980s), the Soviet Phobos-2 (1980s), Mars Global Surveyor (1990s), Mars Express (2000s), and MAVEN, have also made similar observations. While the rovers on Mars’ surface are unable to physically reach the satellites, they are equipped with the capability to capture images from different angles. This feat has been accomplished by Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity. If you’re interested in learning more about each individual satellite, you can do so by following the link provided.

Deimos is the smaller of Mars’ two satellites and is located in the planet’s orbit. With a diameter of just 11 kilometers, it is one of the smallest satellites in the entire Solar System.

If you thought Phobos was tiny, Deimos is even smaller. Measuring only 11 kilometers in length, it is not much larger than any other debris orbiting the Red Planet. Deimos’ orbit is twice as far from Mars as Phobos, with a distance of 23460 kilometers from the planet’s center. In the Martian sky, Deimos appears as a moderately bright spot. Due to its large distance, it takes Deimos approximately 30 hours to complete a full revolution around Mars.

Due to its irregular shape, the satellite Phobos bears a resemblance to the objects found in the asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter. Scientific investigations have revealed that Phobos is composed of the same materials as those found in the asteroid belt. It is hypothesized that Phobos was once an asteroid itself and was subsequently captured by the gravitational pull of Mars. Some astronomers propose that both Martian satellites are fragments resulting from a larger celestial body that broke apart due to a collision with the planet. However, it is unlikely that a definitive answer will ever be obtained. Please take a moment to examine this photograph depicting the surface of Deimos.

Deimos is a satellite of Mars

Similar to Phobos, Deimos is a fairly typical celestial body. In reality, it is essentially a large rock with multiple craters dotting its surface. Deimos possesses a flatter and smoother exterior, and it also boasts fewer craters compared to its counterpart, Phobos. The largest crater measures a mere two miles in diameter, a fraction of the size of the satellite itself.

In contrast to Phobos, Deimos displays no signs of surface faults. This is likely due to its distance from Mars, which is twice that of its sibling, resulting in a significantly weaker gravitational force. Deimos is believed to be comprised of the same materials as Phobos, a combination of water ice and carbon-rich rocks, resembling the C-type objects found in the outer asteroid belt situated between Mars and Jupiter. Deimos lacks a magnetic field, and as a result, it does not possess an atmosphere.

Because Deimos is further away from Mars and less affected by its gravitational force compared to Phobos, the future prospects for this satellite are more positive. Unlike Phobos, Deimos is not in danger of colliding with Mars. In fact, Deimos is gradually moving away from the planet. It is believed that, similar to how the Moon will eventually escape Earth’s gravity, Deimos will also break free from its parent orbit and embark on a free journey, never to return to Mars again.

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The satellite Deimos was discovered

American astronomer Asaph Hall first observed the satellite Deimos through a telescope at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C. in 1877.

The origin of Deimos’ name

Deimos was named after the Roman god of Mars’ chariot, which was associated with fear. In Greek mythology, Deimos is one of the sons of Ares (Mars) and Aphrodite (Venus), representing fear. You can explore the map of Deimos below.

Now you know that Deimos is a satellite of Mars.

The primary characteristics of the Deimos satellite

Map of the surface of the Deimos satellite

Map of the surface of the Deimos satellite