Jupiter, king of moons

2002/07/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Astronomia

Astronomers at the University of Hawaii have found 11 other satellites rotating around Jupiter. Newly discovered satellites are far away, have very eccentric orbits and turn in the opposite direction to Jupiter's rotation. These are parts of a body that were supposedly destroyed by the gravitational forces of Jupiter. In 18 months the number of Jupiter satellites has doubled. In 2001, 11 were found and in 2002 there were many others. The gas giant now has 39 satellites.