help

Can Two Moons Which Orbit a Planet Eclipse One Another?

-- Alex | February 24, 2020

Question:

Hello there! I’m writing a novel, and in this world, there are two moons that eclipse one another.
I was going to write that they eclipse yearly (a year still referring to the planet’s rotation), but I really wanted to know if that would be possible in *our* universe.

Can two moons revolving a planet eclipse once each year?

-- Alex

Answer:

Yes, two moons orbiting a planet can eclipse one another, but I think it would be difficult for the two moons to both be in a stable orbit and eclipse exactly every year. As long as one does not require the eclipses to be exactly every year for many years, moons can eclipse one another.

-- Jeff Mangum

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
Linkedin

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.