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Basic Astronomical Objects Cheat Sheet by

Celestial Bodies

star
planet
dwarf planet
moon (or satellite)
asteroid
comet
small solar system body
 

Defini­tions

Large, glowing ball of gas. Generates heat and light through nuclear fusion in its core.
Large object that (1) orbits a star, (2) is large enough for its own gravity to make it round, (3) has cleared most other objects from its orbital path. Shines by reflecting light from its star.
Object that fails to meet the last criterion to be a planet.
Orbits a planet. Can refer to any object orbiting another object.
Small, rocky object that orbits a star.
Small, ice-rich object that orbits a star.
Asteroid, comet, or other object that orbits a star but is too small to qualify as a planet or dwarf planet
 

Examples

Sun
Earth
Pluto
Europa (of Jupiter)
Apophis
Halley's Comet
Asteroids, Comets, etc.
 

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