Life on Satellites Flashcards
What is interesting about Io? (2)
- Tidal heating is enough to keep the interior of Io molten. 2. It is the most volcanic object in the solar system.
What are the Galilean moons? “I Eat Green Carrots.”
Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto.
Describe Io. How old is the surface? Any impact craters?
- Young surface. 2. No impact craters.
Why do we see only one side of the moon?
Because of tidal locking. Earth caused tidal bulge on moon when it was liquid which means any rotation away from the bulge induces friction.
What are tidal forces?
The difference in the force of gravity from one side of an object to the other.
What heats Io?
Europa’s tides.
Describe Ganymede (2).
- Largest moon in the solar system. 2. May have a molten core and a sub-surface ocean.
What do cracks on Europa’s surface suggest?
That Europa has an ice layer overlaying a liquid ocean.
What is on Europa’s surface?
Ice water.
Does Europa have a young surface?
Yes.
Does Europa have a magnetic field?
It has a weak magnetic field (which requires a conductive liquid).
Describe Titan (2).
- Only moon with permanent atmosphere and surface liquid. 2. Has liquid methane rivers and lakes.
What is the pressure like on Titan?
It has a similar atmospheric pressure as Earth.
What did the Cassini mission find out about Titan? (2)
- Icy rocks on surface. 2. Signs of erosion.
Describe Enceladus (2).
- Ice world with a young, smooth surface. 2. Tiger stripes of fresh ice seeping through cracks.
