Stable orbits

[michaellxv (Michael)]

Planets orbit stars. Moon orbit planets. Stars orbit galaxies.

Is there a stable orbit that an object could have around the moon?
As a generalisation of this, is there a stable orbit around any moon of any planet? And under what conditions?

For bonus points. Could such a system form naturally?

No, I don't know the answer, i'm asking the question.

[Jarvamundo (Alex)]

Yes

Planets, Moons, Minor Planets can and do have satellites

It gets better... based on these properties of orbital dynamics Tom Van Flandern, an expert in orbital dynamics, predicted the existence of asteroids having satellites (orbiting moons). http://www.worsleyschool.net/science.../withmoon.html

Some reading on Hill sphere will aid you with regard to orbital possibilities. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_sphere

Yes, the moon can in theory have a satellite at around 50-60km hill's length (sphere)

Bonus point - Evidence is pointing this way
http://www.newscientist.com/article/...oon-rings.html

[michaellxv (Michael)]

Thanks Alex, that's exactly what I was looking for.

I like the shuttle example in that article.

Rings around Rhea, how cool is that