irregular satellite bandevâr-e bisâmân, mâh-e ~ Fr.: satellite irrégulier A satellite whose orbit around its planet is eccentric, inclined with respect to the equatorial plane, and relatively far from the planet. Strong solar perturbations cause the orbit to precess. → regular satellite. |
regular satellite bandevâr-e bâsâmân, mâh-e ~ Fr.: satellite régulier A satellite that revolves around its planet in an equatorial orbit of low or moderate eccentricity close to the planet. One example of a regular satellite system is the Galilean satellites of Jupiter. |