We see and hear a lot about Jupiter, but what about its lesser known moons? Astronomers have discovered 80 of Jupiter’s moons, not including a number of moonlets likely shed from the inner moons. Combined, they form a satellite system which is called the Jovian system.
The largest in the Jovian system are are the four Galilean moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. All of these celestial bodies were independently discovered in 1610 by Galileo Galilei and Simon Marius, making them the first known objects to orbit a body that was neither Earth nor the Sun. In 1892, dozens of far smaller Jovian moons were found and have received the names of lovers or daughters of the Roman god Jupiter as well as his Greek equivalent Zeus. Out of all of Jupiter’s moons, a total of eight are regular satellites with prograde and nearly circular orbits that are not greatly inclined with respect to the gas giant’s equatorial plane.
- Detailed Lunar Replica - Features a detailed Eagle lunar lander replica with lunar surface, crater, footprints, and U.S. flag for a realistic space...
- Realistic Modular Model - This modular set includes a descent stage with gold-colored landing pads, panels, opening camera, laser hatches, and movable...
- Ascent Stage Interior - The ascent stage boasts a detailed interior with room for 2 astronaut minifigures, finished with an Apollo 11 Lunar Lander...
