Question

1. why is the moon described as a natural satellite of earth?

the moon orbits the larger, more massive earth.
the gravity of earth does not affect the orbit of the moon.
the moon orbits earth at triple the rate of its rotation on its axis.
earth orbits the larger, more massive moon.

Explanation:

A natural satellite is a celestial body that orbits a larger, more massive planet (or other celestial body) due to gravitational pull. The moon fits this definition because it orbits Earth, which is larger and more massive than the moon. The other options are incorrect: Earth's gravity directly controls the moon's orbit, the moon's orbital rate does not define it as a satellite, and Earth does not orbit the moon.

Answer:

The moon orbits the larger, more massive Earth.