Both satellites were discovered in 1877 by Asaph Hall; they are named after the characters Phobos (panic/fear) and Deimos (terror/dread), who, in Greek mythology, accompanied their father Ares, god of war, into battle.
Ámbolos dous satélites foron descubertos en 1877 por Asaph Hall, e foron bautizados así polos personaxes Fobos (pánico/medo) e Deimos (terror/pavor) que, na mitoloxía grega, acompañaban ao seu pai Ares, deus da guerra, á batalla.