Question

Which one of the following planets has no natural satellites?

• A. Mercury
• B. Jupiter
• C. Mars
• D. Saturn

Hint:

Only the first two planets from the Sun, Mercury and Venus, have no natural satellites.
All other planets in the Solar System have at least one moon (Earth has 1, Mars has 2, and the outer gas giants have dozens).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This astronomy question asks which planet among the options does not possess any natural satellites (moons).

Step 2: Key Formulas and approach:
Recall the planetary characteristics of the Solar System, focusing on the moon counts of the planets.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
$\bullet$ The inner terrestrial planets are close to the Sun.
$\bullet$ Mercury has zero natural satellites.
$\bullet$ Venus also has zero natural satellites.
$\bullet$ Mars has two small natural satellites, named Phobos and Deimos.
$\bullet$ Jupiter has a massive system of natural satellites, with over \(90\) confirmed moons, including the four large Galilean moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto).
$\bullet$ Saturn has the largest number of confirmed natural satellites, numbering over \(140\), including the massive moon Titan.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Mercury is the only planet in the given options with no natural satellites, corresponding to Option (A).