Study Guides/Physics/Biggest Satellite in the Solar System
Study Guide · Physics

What is the Biggest Satellite in the Solar System?

When we talk about satellites, we often think of artificial machines orbiting Earth. However, natural satellites are moons that orbit planets. The biggest natural satellite in our entire solar system belongs to the giant planet Jupiter.

Question (Click to Flip)

Can humans live on Ganymede?

Answer

Currently, no. Ganymede has a very thin oxygen atmosphere, no breathable air, freezing temperatures, and is blasted by extreme radiation from Jupiter.

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Key Facts

Ganymede is composed of approximately equal amounts of silicate rock and water ice.

It takes Ganymede about seven Earth days to orbit Jupiter once.

The second-largest moon in the solar system is Titan, which orbits Saturn.

1. The Giant Moon: Ganymede

The biggest satellite in the solar system is Ganymede. It is one of the 95+ moons orbiting the planet Jupiter. It was discovered by the famous astronomer Galileo Galilei in 1610.

2. How Big is Ganymede?

  • Size: Ganymede has a radius of about 2,631 kilometers.
  • Bigger than a Planet: It is so massive that it is actually larger than the planet Mercury and the dwarf planet Pluto. If Ganymede were orbiting the Sun instead of Jupiter, it would easily be classified as a planet.
  • Comparison to Earth's Moon: It is roughly 26% larger in volume than Earth's Moon.

3. Unique Features

Ganymede is completely unique because it is the only moon in the solar system that has its own magnetic field. This magnetic field causes auroras (glowing ribbons of electrified gas) at the moon's north and south poles. Scientists also strongly believe that Ganymede has a massive saltwater ocean hidden beneath its thick, icy crust.

Questions and Answers

Can humans live on Ganymede?+

Currently, no. Ganymede has a very thin oxygen atmosphere, no breathable air, freezing temperatures, and is blasted by extreme radiation from Jupiter.

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