NYTimes: 79 Moons of Jupiter and Counting

In summary, scientists have recently discovered twelve new moons orbiting Jupiter, bringing the total number of moons to 79. These new moons are much smaller compared to the well-known moons discovered by Galileo in 1610 and range from half a mile to two miles wide. The reason for not being able to spot them until now is due to their distance from the planet. However, it should be noted that only ten of the twelve moons are actually new discoveries, with two being previously announced last year. This information was announced by Scott S. Sheppard of the Carnegie Institution for Science.
  • #1
diogenesNY
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By Kenneth Chang

  • July 18, 2018
On Tuesday, scientists led by Scott S. Sheppard of the Carnegie Institution for Science announced the discovery of a dozen moons around Jupiter, bringing the total number orbiting the solar system’s largest planet to 79. Next to the famous moons that Galileo spotted through his telescope in 1610 — bigger-than-Mercury Ganymede, deeply cratered Callisto, volcanic Io, icy Europa — the new ones are slight. They measure between a half mile and two miles wide and orbit millions of miles from the planet — good explanations for why no one had seen them until now.

Article Continues:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/18/science/jupiter-new-moons.html

Source Link - Carnegie Institution:
https://carnegiescience.edu/node/2367

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diogenesNY
 
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  • #2
Never trust The New York Times.

In fact, only ten of the moons are new. Two had been announced last year. See https://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/jupiters-moons-12-more-found-79-now-known/
 
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What is the significance of the discovery of 79 moons of Jupiter by the New York Times?

The discovery of 79 moons of Jupiter by the New York Times is significant because it adds to the growing body of knowledge about the planet and its moons. It also shows the ongoing advancements in technology and the ability to observe and study objects in our solar system.

How were these 79 moons of Jupiter discovered?

The 79 moons of Jupiter were discovered using the Blanco 4-meter telescope at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile. The telescope was equipped with the Dark Energy Camera, which is able to capture images of large swaths of the night sky with high resolution and sensitivity.

What characteristics do these 79 moons of Jupiter have?

These 79 moons of Jupiter have a variety of characteristics, including size, shape, and distance from the planet. Some are as small as 1 kilometer in diameter, while others are much larger. They also have different orbital periods, with some completing a full orbit around Jupiter in less than a day and others taking several years.

What can we learn from studying these 79 moons of Jupiter?

Studying these 79 moons of Jupiter can provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of the planet and its moons. It can also help us understand the dynamics of the Jovian system and how it interacts with other bodies in our solar system. Additionally, studying these moons can give us a better understanding of the potential for life on other worlds.

Are there any potential future missions to explore these 79 moons of Jupiter?

Currently, there are no specific missions planned to explore these 79 moons of Jupiter. However, with the continued advancements in technology and space exploration, it is likely that there will be future missions to further study these fascinating objects and unlock more of their secrets.

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