A satellite tornado is a tornado that forms independently and orbits a larger, primary tornado within the same mesocyclone. Unlike a multiple-vortex tornado, where smaller subvortices rotate within the circulation of a single, broader funnel or circulation, a satellite tornado possesses its own distinct and separate circulation and often its own visible funnel cloud.
These secondary tornadoes are relatively rare and usually smaller than their primary counterparts, though they can still cause significant damage. They are typically observed in association with strong to violent supercell thunderstorms, particularly those producing large, long-track tornadoes. The primary tornado and its satellite often rotate cyclonically around a common center, with the satellite tornado appearing to "dance" around the main vortex.
The distinction between a satellite tornado and the multiple subvortices within a multiple-vortex tornado is crucial for meteorologists. A satellite tornado forms as an entirely separate vortex, maintaining its independence even as it interacts gravitationally with the primary tornado's circulation. Their formation is not fully understood but is believed to involve complex interactions of air currents and shear within the larger mesocyclone. While less common, their presence underscores the complex and highly dynamic nature of severe convective storms.