How many moons does Jupiter have and how were they discovered?

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    Jupiter Moons
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the number of moons that Jupiter has, their discovery, and the implications of their existence. Participants explore the historical context of these discoveries and the ongoing identification of new satellites, as well as the relationship between Jupiter and its moons.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that 21 new satellites of Jupiter have been discovered recently, suggesting a possible link to an ancient collision involving a larger moon and a comet.
  • Another participant mentions that Jupiter has four large moons, known as the Galilean moons, discovered by Galileo in 1610, and lists several of Jupiter's known moons.
  • A participant expresses confusion about which planet has the most moons, initially believing it to be Jupiter, but later realizing it was Saturn, prompting a correction from another participant who asserts that Jupiter currently has more known moons than Saturn.
  • There is a question raised about whether Jupiter and Saturn, as gas giants, could be considered to have mini solar systems due to their numerous satellites, and whether these planets influence weather patterns on their moons.
  • One participant states that Jupiter causes tidal fluctuations on its moons, specifically mentioning Io's intense heat as a result of these effects, comparing it to the influence of Earth's moon on tidal patterns.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Jupiter has a significant number of moons, with some contention regarding the exact count and comparisons to Saturn. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of Jupiter's influence on its moons and the nature of their orbits.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the precise definitions of "discovered" moons, as the count is subject to change with ongoing discoveries. Additionally, the relationship between gas giants and their moons is not fully explored, leaving room for further inquiry.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in planetary science, astronomy, and the dynamics of celestial bodies may find this discussion relevant.

SpaceGuy
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21 new satellites of Jupiter have been found this year. Many are thought to be due to an ancient collision of a larger moon with a comet.

Jupiter has four large moons and dozens of smaller ones (there are 60 satellites known so far). Galileo first discovered the four largest moons of Jupiter, Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto in 1610, using a 20-power telescope; these moons are known as the Galilean moons.

The moons of Jupiter are (in order by their distance from Jupiter): Metis, Adrastea, Amalthea, Thebe, Io, Europa, Ganymede (the biggest), Callisto (the second biggest), Leda (the smallest), Himalia, Lysithea, Elara, Ananke, Carme, Pasiphae, Sinope, and many newly-discovered moons that haven't been named yet.

In the time it took to write this more might have been found.

Jovian Factsheet.
 
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on a tv show they asked which planet had the most moons, i answered jupiter, i felt so stupid...it was saturn [b(]
 
Originally posted by guitarusa2001
on a tv show they asked which planet had the most moons, i answered jupiter, i felt so stupid...it was saturn [b(]

Don't. You were correct. Jupiter has more discoverd moons than Saturn (61 vs. 31 by my last count). But moons are being discovered fast and furious now...back in Jan. 2001, Saturn did have the most known moons (31 vs. Jupiter's 28 known moons at that time).
 
By the way, welcome to Physics Forums, SpaceGuy & guitarusa2001! :smile:
 
being that Jupiter and saturn are considered "gas" planets, would they almost have a mini solar system of their own with all of these satellites orbiting around? does Jupiter or saturn cause weather patterns for these moons?
 
Jupiter causes tidal fluctuations on its moons (which is why IO is so hot) its like what the moon does to the Earth except on an extemely massive scale
 

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