How many moons does Mars have?

Prepare for the Science Olympiad Reach for the Stars Test. Focus on flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Master your astronomy knowledge!

Mars has two moons, Phobos and Deimos. These moons are small and irregularly shaped, differing significantly from the larger, spherical moons found in the Solar System. Phobos, which is the larger of the two, orbits Mars very closely and completes a revolution in just about 7.5 hours, making it unique as one of the few moons that rises in the west and sets in the east due to its rapid orbit. Deimos, the smaller moon, has a more distant orbit and takes about 30.3 hours to complete one revolution around Mars.

The knowledge of Mars having two moons highlights the diversity of celestial bodies in our Solar System and their varying sizes and characteristics. Understanding the moons of Mars is an important part of studying the planet's geology, atmosphere, and the potential for past or future lunar exploration.

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