[End Times Sentinel]

How large does a satellite have to be to be considered a “moon” or is that just a common phrase that doesn’t have an actual astronomical definition?

Owl_Eagle

”Guns Before Butter.”

[grimalkin]

From what I've read, the only difference between a small moon and an asteroid is what they are bound to by gravity. Perhaps someone else will have further info.

[Forgiven_Sinner]

How large does a satellite have to be to be considered a “moon” or is that just a common phrase that doesn’t have an actual astronomical definition?

Basically, anything observable is a moon. Phobos and Diemos of Mars, for example, are 14 and 9 miles respectively.

[Movemout]

"How large does a satellite have to be to be considered a “moon” or is that just a common phrase that doesn’t have an actual astronomical definition?"

It just has to be a satellite. Pluto is more interesting in this regard. Some are contemplating removing it from planet status because it is basically moon-sized.

[RightWhale]

Any natural object, even a speck of sand, that is orbiting the larger object could be considered a moon. Some orbits are highly unusual and sometimes objects are captured by gravity to become moons and other times moons are lost. These small asteroid-like bodies are all moons for the time being.