The word "satellite" comes from the Latin word "satelles," which means "attendant, follower, or guard."
Meaning and Origin:
In the context of astronomy, a satellite refers to a celestial body that orbits another, larger body.
The term was first used in this sense in the 16th century to describe the moons of Jupiter, which were observed by Galileo Galilei.
It was later applied to any natural or artificial object that orbits a planet, star, or other celestial body.
Evolution of the Meaning:
The original meaning of "satelles" as an "attendant" or "follower" reflects the fact that satellites are typically smaller and less massive than the bodies they orbit.
The term evolved to encompass both natural satellites (such as moons) and artificial satellites (such as spacecraft and space probes).
Today, the word "satellite" is primarily used to refer to artificial satellites that are launched into space for various purposes, including communication, navigation, and scientific research.