Galilean Moons Flashcards
Galilean Moons are satellites of which planet ?
Jupiter
Which satellites of Jupiter are popularly referred as Galilean Moons ?
4 satellites - Lo , Europa , Ganymede , Callisto
Which astronomer are these satellites named after ?
Galileo Galilei
How has Galilean moons helped the scientists ?
Aided in the understanding of our solar system
What are the characteristics of Lo ?
1) Innermost of the 4 Galilean moons
2) 4th largest moon in the solar system
3) Surface comprises of various colorful forms of sulphur
4) Most volcanically active body in the solar system
What are the characteristics of Europa ?
1) Smallest of the 4 Galilean satellites
2) Smaller than the normal moon
3) Surface made up of mostly water ice , also a evidence of ocean of water
What are the characteristics of Ganymede ?
1) Largest moon in the solar sytem
2) Only known moon to have a magnetosphere (an internally generated magnetic field)
What are the characteristics of Callisto ?
1) Farthest of the 4 Galilean moons
2) Rocky icy surface about 4 billion yrs old
3) Oldest and most heavily cratered in our solar system
