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8.5: Jupiter’s Satellites

Last updated

Jul 23, 2025
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- 8.4: Planet Jupiter
- 8.6: Planet Saturn

Lumen Learning
Lumen Learning

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Jupiter currently has the largest known number of satellites in the solar system, with 67 known moons (as of August 2014). The four largest moons were discovered by Galileo Galilei and are called the Galilean Satellites or moons. They are Callisto, Europa, Ganymede, and Io, with Io having the closest orbit to Jupiter. And Ganymede is larger than planet Mercury.

Jupiter’s Galilean Satellites

Brief Descriptions

Callisto

Europa
- Ganymede
  - Io
    - Most active volcanoes in the solar system, Sulfur

Image Jupiter’s Galilean Satellite Europa with possible liquid water oceans below the crust. — Callisto via NASA Galileo Spacecraft, Europa via NASA Galileo Spacecraft, Ganymede via NASA Galileo Spacecraft, and Io. Public Domain | Image courtesy of NASA.

Jupiter’s Galilean Satellites

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