The solar system is a busy place with more than 194 known moons orbiting the planets and dwarf planets. The two most common types of moons are called natural satellites, meaning they were formed from rock that circled around their parent body due to gravity. Just like how our own Moon orbits Earth! Did you know that four of the 13 planets and dwarf planets in our solar system don’t have any moons? These are Mercury and Venus, and the dwarf planets Ceres and Makemake. In this article, we’ll find out the number of moons each planet has and their names.
Terrestrial Planet Moons
Earth, Mars
Gas Giant Moons
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
Dwarf Planet Moons
Pluto, Haumea, Makemake, Eris
The Moon (Earth’s Moon)
The Earth has one solitary moon that we call the Moon and occasionally Luna.
| Moon | Discovered | Discoverer | Distance from Planet (km) | Diameter (km) | Orbital Period (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moon (Luna) | Galileo | 1609 | 384,400 | 3,475 | 27.322 |
Mar’s Moons
Mars’ two moons, Phobos and Deimos were discovered in 1877 by astronomer Asaph Hall. He named them for the Latin terms “fear” and “panic” after their discovery caused panic among astrologers because they had been overlooked up until that point. These tiny natural satellites are some of the smallest natural satellites. They are thought to be captured asteroids which makes them all the more intriguing.
| Moon | Discovered | Discoverer | Distance from Planet (km) | Diameter (km) | Orbital Period (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deimos | 1877 | Asaph Hall | 23,460 | 12.4 | 1.2624 |
| Phobos | 1877 | Asaph Hall | 9,270 | 22.5 | 0.3189 |
Jupiter’s Moons
Jupiter has at least 79 moons in orbit around it, the second largest number of natural satellites. Jupiter’s 4 most sizable moons Ganymede, Callisto, Io, and Europa are known as the Galilean Moons because they were also observed by astronomer Simon Marius alongside their discoverer Galileo Galilei – all who happened to be alive at about the same time!
| Moon | Discovered | Discoverer | Distance from Planet (km) | Diameter (km) | Orbital Period (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrastea | 1979 | Jewitt & Danielson | 128,980 | 26×16 | 0.298 |
| Aitne | 2001 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 23,547,000 | 3 | 736 |
| Amalthea | 1892 | E. Barnard | 181,300 | 262 x134 | 0.498 |
| Ananke | 1951 | S. Nicholson | 21,200,000 | 20 | 631 |
| Aoede | 203 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 23,807,655 | 4 | 748.8 |
| Arche | 2002 | S. Sheppard | 23,064,000 | 3 | 715.6 |
| Autonoe | 2001 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 24,122,000 | 4 | 753 |
| Callisto | 1610 | Galileo | 1,883,000 | 4,800 | 16.689 |
| Carme | 1938 | S. Nicholson | 22,600,000 | 30 | 692 |
| Callirrhoe | 2000 | Spacewatch Project Minor Planet Center | 24,200,000 | 10 | 774 |
| Carpo | 2003 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 17,100,000 | 3 | 456.5 |
| Chaldene | 2000 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, Y. Fernandez, & G. Magnier | 23,179,000 | 3.8 | 741 |
| Cyllene | 2003 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 24,000,000 | 2 | 737.80 |
| Elara | 1905 | C. Perrine | 11,737,000 | 80 | 259.65 |
| Erinome | 200 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, Y. Fernandez, & G. Magnier | 23,279,000 | 3.2 | 672 |
| Euanthe | 2001 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 21,017,000 | 3 | 622 |
| Eukelade | 2003 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 24,557,295 | 4 | 746.4 |
| Euporie | 2001 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 19,394,000 | 2 | 534 |
| Europa | 1610 | Galileo | 670,900 | 3126 | 3.551 |
| Eurydome | 2001 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 23,219,000 | 3 | 713 |
| Ganymede | 1610 | Galileo | 1,070,000 | 5276 | 7.155 |
| Harpalyke | 2000 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, Y. Fernandez, & G. Magnier | 21,105,000 | 4.3 | 595 |
| Hegemone | 2003 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 24,514,095 | 3 | 781.6 |
| Helike | 2003 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 10,972,830 | 4 | 233.8 |
| Hermippe | 2001 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 21,252,000 | 4 | 630 |
| Himalia | 1904 | C. Perrine | 11,480,000 | 170 | 250.57 |
| Io | 1610 | Galileo | 421,600 | 3,629 | 1.769 |
| Iocaste | 2000 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, Y. Fernandez, & G. Magnier | 21,269,000 | 5.2 | 657 |
| Isonone | 2000 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, Y. Fernandez, & G. Magnier | 23,217,000 | 3.8 | 712 |
| Kale | 2001 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 23,124,000 | 2 | 609 |
| Kallichore | 2003 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 22,395,390 | 2 | 683 |
| Kalyke | 2000 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, Y. Fernandez, & G. Magnier | 23,583,000 | 5.2 | 760 |
| Kore | 2003 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 24,543,000 | 2 | 779.2 |
| Leda | 1974 | C. Kowal | 11,094,000 | 10 | 238.72 |
| Lysithea | 1938 | S. Nicholson | 11,720,000 | 24 | 259.22 |
| Magaclite | 2000 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, Y. Fernandez, & G. Magnier | 23,806,000 | 5.4 | 771 |
| Metis | 1979 | S. Sunnott | 127,960 | 40 | 0.295 |
| Mneme | 2003 | Scott S. Sheppard & B. Gladman | 21,069,000 | 2 | 620.04 |
| Orthosie | 2001 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 21,168,000 | 2 | 617 |
| Pasiphae | 1908 | P. Melotte | 23,500,000 | 36 | 735 |
| Pasithee | 2001 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 23,029,000 | 2 | 715 |
| Praxidike | 2000 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, Y. Fernandez, & G. Magnier | 21,147,000 | 6.8 | 632 |
| Sinope | 1914 | S. Nicholson | 23,700,700 | 28 | 758 |
| Sponde | 2001 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 23,808,000 | 2 | 732 |
| S/2000 J11 | 2000 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, Y. Fernandez, & G. Magnier | 12,555,000 | 4.0 | 284.3 |
| S/2003 J2 | 2003 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 28,570,410 | 2 | 982.50 |
| S/2003 J3 | 2003 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 18,339,885 | 2 | 504 |
| S/2003 J4 | 2003 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 23,257,920 | 2 | 723.2 |
| S/2003 J5 | 2003 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 24,084,180 | 4 | 759.7 |
| S/2003 J9 | 2003 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 22,441,680 | 1 | 683 |
| S/2003 J10 | 2003 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 24,249,600 | 2 | 767 |
| S/2003 J12 | 2003 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 19,002,480 | 1 | 533.3 |
| S/2003 J15 | 2003 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 22,000,000 | 2 | 668.4 |
| S/2003 J16 | 2003 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 21,000,000 | 2 | 595.4 |
| S/2003 J17 | 2003 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 22,000,000 | 2 | 690.3 |
| S/2003 J18 | 2003 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 20,700,000 | 2 | 606.3 |
| S/2003 J19 | 2003 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 22,800,000 | 2 | 701.3 |
| S/2003 J 23 | 2003 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 23,563,000 | 2 | 732.44 |
| S/2010 J 1 | 2010 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 23,314,335 | 2 | 582.22 |
| S/2010 J 2 | 2010 | Veillet | 20,307,150 | 1 | 725.06 |
| S/2011 J 2 | 2011 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 23,329,710 | 1 | 288.82 |
| S/2011 J 1 | 2011 | Jacobson et al. | 20,155,290 | 1 | 724.34 |
| Taygete | 2000 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, Y. Fernandez, & G. Magnier | 23,360,000 | 5.0 | 687 |
| Thebe | 1979 | S. Synnott | 221,900 | 100 | 0.675 |
| Thelxinoe | 2003 | Scott S. Sheppard & B. Gladman | 21,162,000 | 2 | 628.09 |
| Themisto | 1975 | C. Kowal & E. Roemer | 7,507,000 | 8 | 130.07 |
| Thyone | 2001 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, & J. Kleyna | 21,312,000 | 4 | 615 |
Saturn’s Moons
Saturn’s ring system is famous for being one of the most unique formations in our solar system. What many people don’t know, however, are Saturn’s other secrets–namely its 81 moons! From tiny worlds to a spherical moon such as Titan these outer satellites play an important role in shaping and maintaining this heavenly body. Saturn’s moons range from irregular worlds to ellipsoidal. The first of Saturn’s moons observed was Titan in 1655 by Christiaan Huygens, another moon wasn’t found until 1671 when Giovanni Domenico Cassini discovered Iapetus. Two of Saturn’s own satellites (Janus & Epimetheus) swap orbits every 4 years!
| Moon | Discovered | Discoverer | Distance from Planet (km) | Diameter (km) | Orbital Period (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aegir | 2005 | D. Jewitt, S. Sheppard, J. Kleyna | 20,735,000 | 6 | 1,116.5 |
| Albiorix | 2000 | Gladman et al. | 16,392,000 | 30 | 783 |
| Anthe | 2004 | Cassini Imaging Team | 197,700 | 1 | 1.04 |
| Atlas | 1980 | R. Terrile | 137,640 | 37×27 | 0.602 |
| Bebhionn | 2005 | D. Jewitt, S. Sheppard, J. Kleyna | 17,119,000 | 6 | 834.8 |
| Bergelmir | 2005 | D. Jewitt, S. Sheppard, J. Kleyna | 19,338,000 | 6 | 1,005.9 |
| Bestla | 2005 | D. Jewitt, S. Sheppard, J. Kleyna | 20,129,000 | 7 | 1,083.6 |
| Calypso | 1980 | B. Smith | 294,660 | 30×16 | 1.888 |
| Daphnis | 2005 | Cassini Imaging Science Team | 136,500 | 7 | 0.594 |
| Dione | 1684 | G. Cassini | 377,400 | 1120 | 2.737 |
| Enceladus | 1789 | W. Herschel | 238,020 | 498 | 1.370 |
| Epimetheus | 1966 | R. Walker | 151,422 | 138×110 | 0.694 |
| Erriapo | 2000 | Intl. Team of 8 Astronomers | 17,611,000 | 10 | 871.17 |
| Farbauti | 2005 | D. Jewitt, S. Sheppard, J. Kleyna | 20,390,000 | 5 | 1,086.1 |
| Fenrir | 2005 | D. Jewitt, S. Sheppard, J. Kleyna | 22,453,000 | 4 | 1,260.3 |
| Fornjot | 2005 | D. Jewitt, S. Sheppard, J. Kleyna | 25,108,000 | 6 | 1,490.9 |
| Greip | 2006 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, J. Kleyna | 18,206,000 | 6 | 921.2 |
| Hati | 2005 | D. Jewitt, S. Sheppard, J. Kleyna | 19,856,000 | 6 | 1,0.38.7 |
| Helene | 2005 | Laques & Lecacheux | 377,400 | 36×28 | 2.737 |
| Hyperion | 1980 | W. Bond | 1,481,000 | 360×226 | 21.277 |
| Hyrokkin | 1848 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, J. Kleyna | 18,437,000 | 8 | 931.8 |
| Iapetus | 1671 | G. Cassini | 3,561,300 | 1436 | 79.3215 |
| Ijiraq | 2000 | Intl. Team of 8 Astronomers | 11,440,000 | 14 | 451.48 |
| Janus | 1966 | A. Dollfus | 151,472 | 190×154 | 0.695 |
| Jarnsaxa | 2006 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, J. Kleyna | 18,811,000 | 6 | 964.7 |
| Kari | 2006 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, J. Kleyna | 22,118,000 | 7 | 1,233.6 |
| Kiviuq | 2000 | Intl. Team of 8 Astronomers | 11,365,000 | 17 | 449.22 |
| Loge | 2006 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, J. Kleyna | 23,065,000 | 6 | 1,312 |
| Methone | 2004 | C.C. Porco et al./Cassini | 194,000 | 3 | 1.01 |
| Mimas | 1789 | W. Herschel | 185,520 | 398 | 0.942 |
| Mundilfari | 2000 | Intl. Team of 8 Astronomers | 18,709,000 | 7 | 951.38 |
| Narvi | 2003 | Scott S. Sheppard, David Jewitt, and Jan Kleyna | 18,719,000 | 8 | 956.2 |
| Paaliaq | 2000 | Intl. Team of 8 Astronomers | 15,199,000 | 25 | 686.92 |
| Pallene | 2004 | C.C. Porco et al./Cassini | 211,000 | 4 | 1.14 |
| Pan | 1990 | M. Showalter | 133,630 | 19.32 | 0.5750 |
| Pandora | 1980 | S. Collins | 141,700 | 110×62 | 0.629 |
| Phoebe | 1898 | W. Pickering | 12,952,000 | 220 | 550.48 |
| Polydeuces | 2004 | C.C. Porco et al./Cassini | 377,400 | 4 | 2.74 |
| Prometheus | 1980 | S. Collins | 139,350 | 148×68 | 0.613 |
| Rhea | 1672 | G. Cassini | 527,040 | 1528 | 4.518 |
| Siarnaq | 2000 | Intl. Team of 8 Astronomers | 18,160,000 | 45 | 893.07 |
| Skathi | 2000 | Intl. Team of 8 Astronomers | 15,645,000 | 8 | 728.93 |
| Skoll | 2006 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, J. Kleyna | 17,665,000 | 6 | 878.3 |
| Surtur | 2006 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, J. Kleyna | 22,707,000 | 6 | 1,297.7 |
| Suttungr | 2000 | Gladman et al. | 19,470,000 | 7 | 1,016.8 |
| S/2004 S07 | 2004 | D. Jewitt, S. Sheppard, J. Kleyna | 19,800,000 | 6 | 1,103 |
| S/2004 S12 | 2004 | D. Jewitt, S. Sheppard, J. Kleyna | 19,650,000 | 5 | 1,048 |
| S/2004 S13 | 2004 | D. Jewitt, S. Sheppard, J. Kleyna | 18,450,000 | 6 | 906 |
| S/2004 S17 | 2004 | D. Jewitt, S. Sheppard, J. Kleyna | 18,600,000 | 4 | 986 |
| S/2006 S1 | 2006 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, J. Kleyna | 18,981,135 | 6 | 970 |
| S/2006 S3 | 2006 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, J. Kleyna | 21,132,000 | 6 | 1,142 |
| S/2007 S2 | 2007 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, J. Kleyna | 16,560,000 | 6 | 800 |
| S/2007 S3 | 2007 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, J. Kleyna | 20,518,500 | 5 | 1,100 |
| Tarqeq | 2007 | S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, J. Kleyna | 18,009,000 | 7 | 887.50 |
| Tarvos | 2000 | Intl. Team of 8 Astronomers | 18,239,000 | 16 | 925.70 |
| Telesto | 1980 | B. Smith | 294,660 | 30×16 | 1.888 |
| Tethys | 1684 | G. Cassini | 294,660 | 1060 | 1.888 |
| Thrymr | 2000 | Intl. Team of 8 Astronomers | 20,470,000 | 7 | 1088.89 |
| Titan | 1655 | C. Huygens | 1,221,850 | 5150 | 15.945 |
| Ymir | 2000 | Intl. Team of 8 Astronomers | 23,096,000 | 20 | 1312.37 |
Uranus’ Moons
Uranus is home to 27 moons that orbit the planet. The five largest are named Puck, Miranda, Ariel, Umbriel, and Titania. These large satellites each have their own unique characteristics but share some similarities in shape with Uranus’s thin rings. Discovered by William Herschel in 1781, the largest two moons of Uranus are Titania and Oberon. They were observed as part of his mission to discover more planets than anyone else. Which he did with a total tally of 13! The four other large moons show signs that they too have an internal activity shaping their surfaces.
| Moon | Discovered | Discoverer | Distance from Planet (km) | Diameter (km) | Orbital Period (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ariel | 1851 | W. Lassell | 191,240 | 1160 | 2.520 |
| Belinda | 1986 | Voyager 2 | 75,260 | 66 | 0.624 |
| Bianca | 1986 | Voyager 2 | 75,260 | 42 | 0.433 |
| Caliban | 1997 | Gladman, Nicholson, Burns, & Kavelaars | 7,200,000 | 80 | 579.50 |
| Cordelia | 1986 | Voyager 2 | 49,750 | 26 | 0.335 |
| Cressida | 1986 | Voyager 2 | 61,770 | 62 | 0.464 |
| Cupid | 2003 | M. Showalter & J. Lissauer | 74,800 | 12 | 0.618 |
| Desdemona | 1986 | Voyager 2 | 62,660 | 54 | 0.474 |
| Ferdinand | 2001 | M. Holman & B. Gladman et al | 20,901,000 | 21 | 2,823.4 |
| Francisco | 2001 | M. Holman & B. Gladman et al | 4,276,000 | 22 | 266.6 |
| Juliet | 1986 | Voyager 2 | 64,360 | 84 | 0.493 |
| Mab | 2003 | M. Showalter & J. Lissauer | 97,734 | 16 | 0.923 |
| Margaret | 2003 | S. Sheppard | 14,688,700 | 11 | 1,694.8 |
| Miranda | 1948 | G. Kuiper | 129,780 | 472 | 1.414 |
| Oberon | 1787 | W. Herschel | 582,600 | 1526 | 13.463 |
| Ophelia | 1986 | Voyager 2 | 53,440 | 30.4 | 0.3764 |
| Perdita | 1986 | E. Karkoschka/Voyager 2 | 76,420 | 20 | 0.638 |
| Portia | 1986 | Voyager 2 | 66,085 | 108 | 0.531 |
| Prospero | 1999 | Kavelaars, Gladman, Holman et al | 16,256,000 | 30 | 5.346 |
| Puck | 1985 | Voyager 2 | 86,010 | 154 | 0.762 |
| Rosalind | 1986 | Voyager 2 | 69,941 | 54 | 0.558 |
| Setebos | 1999 | Kavelaars, Gladman, Holman et al | 17,418,000 | 47 | 2,234.8 |
| Stephano | 1999 | Kavelaars, Gladman, Holman et al | 8,004,000 | 32 | 677.4 |
| Sycorax | 1997 | Gladman, Nicholson, Burns, & Kavelaars | 12,200,000 | 160 | 1283.39 |
| Titania | 1787 | W. Herschel | 435,840 | 1,578 | 8.706 |
| Trinculo | 2001 | M. Holman, J. Kavelaars & D. Milisavljevic | 8,578,000 | 10 | 759 |
| Umbriel | 1851 | W. Lassel | 265,970 | 1190 | 4.144 |
Neptune’s Moons
Neptune has at least 14 moons and the largest of these, Triton was discovered by William Lassell in 1846 one day after the discovery of Neptune. It wasn’t until over 100 years later before a second moon would be found circling around this planet. The most distant Moon, Neso takes 26 years to make one trip around Neptune!
| Moon | Discovered | Discoverer | Distance from Planet (km) | Diameter (km) | Orbital Period (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Despina | 1989 | Voyager 2 | 62,000 | 160 | 0.40 |
| Galatea | 1989 | Voyager 2 | 52,500 | 140 | 0.33 |
| Halimede | 2002 | M. Holman & J.J. Kavelaars | 15,686,000 | 60 | 1,874.83 |
| Larissa | 1989 | Voyager 2 | 73,600 | 200 | 0.56 |
| Laomedeia | 2002 | M. Holman & J.J. Kavelaars | 22,613,200 | 38 | 2,980.4 |
| Naiad | 1989 | Voyager 2 | 48,200 | 50 | 0.30 |
| Nereid | 1949 | G. Kuiper | 5,513,400 | 340 | 360.16 |
| Neso | 2002 | Holman & Gladman et al | 47,279,670 | 60 | 9,007.1 |
| Proteus | 1989 | Voyager 2 | 117,600 | 420 | 1.12 |
| Psamathe | 2003 | D. Jewitt, J. Kleyna & S. Sheppard | 46,738,000 | 38 | 9,136.11 |
| Sao | 2002 | M. Holman & J.J. Kavelaars | 22,337,190 | 38 | 2,925.+ |
| Thalassa | 1989 | Voyager 2 | 50,000 | 90 | 0.31 |
| Triton | 1846 | W. Lassel | 354,800 | 2705 | 5.877 |
| S/2004 N 1 | 2013 | Showalter, M. R. et al. | 105,300 | 16-20 | 0.936 |
Pluto’s Moons
There are four smaller moons of Pluto: Hydra, Nyx, Styx, and Kerberos. They lie out beyond Charon Pluto’s fifth moon and were discovered using the Hubble Space Telescope on May 15th, 2005. These moons rotate chaotically on their axes so they’re likely to have been created during a giant collision that scattered them into orbit around Pluto and Charon.
| Moon | Discovered | Discoverer | Distance from Planet (km) | Diameter (km) | Orbital Period (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charon | 1978 | J. Christy | 19,571 | 1,207 | 6.387 |
| Nix | 2005 | H.A. Weaver, S.A. Stern, et al. | 48,675 | 44-130 | 24.856 |
| Hydra | 2005 | H.A. Weaver, S.A. Stern, et al. | 64,780 | 44-130 | 38.206 |
| Kerberos | 2011 | Showalter, M. R. et al. | 59,000 | 13-34 | 32.1 |
| Styx | 2012 | Showalter, M. R. et al. | 42,000 | 10-25 | 20.2 |
Haumea’s Moons
The two moons of Haumea were discovered in 2005 from observations made by the W. M. Keck Observatory, and they are called Hi’iaka (the smaller one) and Namaka (the larger one).
| Moon | Discovered | Discoverer | Distance from Planet (km) | Diameter (km) | Orbital Period (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Namaka | 2005 | H.A. Weaver, S.A. Stern, et al. | ~39,000 | ~170 | 34.7 |
| Hi’iaka | 2005 | H.A. Weaver, S.A. Stern, et al. | 49,500 | ~310 | 49.12 |
Makemake’s Moon
The moon of the dwarf planet Makemake was discovered in April 2016 by observations made with a telescope called Hubble.
| Moon | Discovered | Discoverer | Distance from Planet (km) | Diameter (km) | Orbital Period (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S/2015 (136472) 1 | 2005 | Michael E. Brown | 20,921 | 175 | 12 |
Eris’ Moon
Eris’s only known moon was discovered in 2005 by Mike Brown and the adaptive optics team at the W. M. Keck Observatory to their delight!
| Moon | Discovered | Discoverer | Distance from Planet (km) | Diameter (km) | Orbital Period (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dysnomia | 2005 | M. Brown, M. van Dam, A. Bouches, D. Le Mignant | 30,000-36,000 | ~300 | ~14 |