Re: Nickname for Jupiter's 4 biggest moons

Date: Mon Nov 15 22:17:36 1999
Posted By: Tye Morancy, MadSci Admin
Area of science: Astronomy
ID: 942711754.As

Message:


Hi Nadine,

   Good question...There is a nickname for the four largest moons of the planet 
Jupiter.  The four moons : Europa, Io, Ganymede, and Callisto are called the 
"Galilean Satellites".  The word "satellites" means that they are in orbit of 
Jupiter.

   Jupiter has 12 more moons which also have a nickname.  The other 12 moons 
are nicknamed the "small moons", and all are named after people from 
mythology.  I hope this helped you Nadine...thank you for the question...

Tye

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