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Questions and Answers
Jupiter has a total of 79 confirmed moons.
False
Io is the largest moon in the solar system.
False
Europa has a surface temperature around -100°C.
False
Callisto is the innermost of the Galilean moons.
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Himalia is an irregular moon of Jupiter with a circular shape.
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Amalthea is the outermost of the four largest moons.
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Many moons of Jupiter have regular shapes due to their retrograde orbits and capture by Jupiter's gravity.
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Jupiter's massive size and weak gravity influence the formation and evolution of its moons.
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Study Notes
Moons of Jupiter
Overview
- Jupiter has a total of 92 confirmed moons, each with its own unique characteristics.
- The four largest and most well-known moons are Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, known as the Galilean moons.
Galilean Moons
-
Io:
- Largest volcanic body in the solar system
- Surface covered in volcanoes and lava flows
- Orbits closest to Jupiter, resulting in intense tidal heating
-
Europa:
- Thick icy crust covering a global ocean
- Potential for life due to presence of water and energy
- Surface temperature around -160°C
-
Ganymede:
- Largest moon in the solar system, even larger than the planet Mercury
- Composed of equal parts rock and ice
- Subsurface ocean similar to Europa's
-
Callisto:
- Outermost of the Galilean moons
- Cratered surface indicates minimal geological activity
- Composed primarily of water ice mixed with darker organic material
Other Notable Moons
-
Himalia:
- Largest irregular moon of Jupiter
- Elongated shape due to its retrograde orbit
- Composed of water ice and darker organic material
-
Amalthea:
- Innermost of the four largest moons
- Reddish color due to presence of sulfur and carbon dioxide
- Orbits within Jupiter's rings
Characteristics of Jupiter's Moons
- Many moons have irregular shapes due to their retrograde orbits and capture by Jupiter's gravity.
- Moons vary in composition, with some having surfaces rich in water ice and others having darker organic material.
- Jupiter's massive size and strong gravity influence the formation and evolution of its moons.
Moons of Jupiter
Overview
- Jupiter has 92 confirmed moons, each with unique characteristics.
- The four largest and most well-known moons are Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, known as the Galilean moons.
Galilean Moons
- Io:
- Largest volcanic body in the solar system.
- Surface covered in volcanoes and lava flows due to intense tidal heating.
- Orbits closest to Jupiter.
- Europa:
- Thick icy crust covering a global ocean.
- Potential for life due to presence of water and energy.
- Surface temperature around -160°C.
- Ganymede:
- Largest moon in the solar system, even larger than Mercury.
- Composed of equal parts rock and ice.
- Subsurface ocean similar to Europa's.
- Callisto:
- Outermost of the Galilean moons.
- Cratered surface indicates minimal geological activity.
- Composed primarily of water ice mixed with darker organic material.
Other Notable Moons
- Himalia:
- Largest irregular moon of Jupiter.
- Elongated shape due to its retrograde orbit.
- Composed of water ice and darker organic material.
- Amalthea:
- Innermost of the four largest moons.
- Reddish color due to presence of sulfur and carbon dioxide.
- Orbits within Jupiter's rings.
Characteristics of Jupiter's Moons
- Many moons have irregular shapes due to their retrograde orbits and capture by Jupiter's gravity.
- Moons vary in composition, with some having surfaces rich in water ice and others having darker organic material.
- Jupiter's massive size and strong gravity influence the formation and evolution of its moons.
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Description
Explore the unique characteristics of Jupiter's 92 confirmed moons, including the four Galilean moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.
