A moon orbits a planet or asteroid, while an asteroid orbits the sun.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Moon: A natural satellite that orbits a planet (like Earth's Moon) or even an asteroid. Moons are held in orbit by the gravitational force of the object they circle.
- Asteroid: A relatively small, inactive rocky body that orbits the Sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Asteroids are also held in place by gravity, in this case, the Sun's.
| Feature | Moon | Asteroid |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Orbit | Planet or Asteroid | Sun |
| Composition | Can be rocky, icy, or a combination | Primarily rocky and metallic |
| Activity | Geologically active moons can exist | Typically inactive |
In essence, the defining difference is what they orbit. A moon is a satellite of a planet or asteroid, and an asteroid directly orbits the Sun.
