Can A Moon Have A Moon? Exploring Celestial Possibilities

Is it possible for a moon to have its own miniature moons? The answer to this intriguing question lies in the characteristics of the moon itself. Moons that are substantial in size and follow wider orbits around their parent planet are more likely to accommodate what are known as “submoons” for extended periods. This phenomenon primarily occurs due to the significant size and greater distance from the parent planet, which result in larger Hill radii. This expanded Hill radius offers a more stable environment for the existence of submoons, allowing them to persist over extended periods of time.

When a moon possesses its own satellite, this phenomenon is referred to as having a “moonmoon.” This term, coined as of October 10, 2018, describes the intriguing occurrence when a moon itself becomes a host to a smaller moon.