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Phobos and Deimos

Phobos and Deimos are the two small moons orbiting Mars, named after the Greek gods of fear and dread. They are irregularly shaped, cratered, and much smaller than Earth's moon—Phobos is about 22 kilometers across, and Deimos about 12 kilometers. Scientists believe they may be captured asteroids from the nearby asteroid belt, rather than formed alongside Mars. Due to their proximity, Phobos is gradually spiraling inward and will eventually break apart or crash into Mars. These moons provide valuable insights into the planet's history and the dynamics of small celestial bodies in the solar system.