JOURNAL ARTICLE

What Are the Galilean Moons?

  • Published In: Sky & Telescope, 2024, v. 148, n. 6. P. 78 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Tyson, Peter 3 of 3

Abstract

The Galilean Moons are the four largest moons of Jupiter, named after Galileo Galilei who discovered them in 1610. They were the first new solar system worlds identified since antiquity and revolutionized observational astronomy by demonstrating that optics could reveal more in the heavens than the naked eye. The moons are named Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, and each has its own unique characteristics. They are easily visible through a telescope and appear as disks, resembling a mini solar system orbiting Jupiter. The number of moons visible at any given time changes as they revolve around Jupiter. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sky & Telescope. 2024/12, Vol. 148, Issue 6, p78
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0037-6604
  • Accession Number:179522407
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