The Galilean Moons

I had to share one more astronomy tidbit. Last night we had another observatory session and I actually watched Jupiter rise up from the eastern horizon. Through the telescope it looked much like this shot with the four Galilean Moons orbiting Jupiter. (Sidenote: Jupiter has over 60 Moons with more being rapidly discovered but four of the closest of which Galileo was able to observe were named in his honor.)


Galileo actually viewed Jupiter and its four nearest Moons, thus they were named after him.


Here are some close-up pictures that were captured of each of the Galilean Moons of Jupiter and some links for those of you who are intrigued to learn more. Io has the most active volcanos in the Solar Systmem and Europa with its thick icy crust with water underneath are my favorites!