Callisto is one of the Galilean moons of Jupiter discovered by Galileo Galilei in 1610. Callisto is a very geologically inactive body and its surface is covered in many craters.
Callisto is the third largest moon in our solar system after Ganymede and Titan, and Jupiter’s second largest moon. It was discovered by Galileo Galilei in 1610 along with three other moons known as the Galilean moons. This discovery was important because it ultimately changed our understanding of the structure of the universe, away from a geocentric model to a heliocentric model.
Callisto has more craters than any other body in our solar system. Its entire surface is cover with evidence of impacts. The moon is also very geologically inactive, meaning these craters have remained unchanged. Callisto's composition is thought to be mainly rocky material and ice. Its atmosphere is thin and almost entirely composed of carbon dioxide.
Callisto was originally named Jupiter IV and was renamed some years later. The moon is named after a lover of the Greek god Zeus. Callisto was a nymph and the daughter of King Lycaon. All of the Galilean moons have been named after Zeus’s lovers.
The Pioneer 10 and 11 missions didn’t reveal a large amount of new information. The Voyager missions completed flybys, both in 1979. These spacecraft managed to take images of half the surface of the moon. Later, the Galileo mission, which spent eight years in orbit around Jupiter, managed to image the entire surface. Callisto has been identified as a possible location for human exploration in the future. Scientists think that the moon could be a viable option due to its lack of geological activity and that its distance from Jupiter reduces the amount of radiation from the planet.
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- Orbital Period: 16.7 Earth days
- Rotation Period: 400.5 hours
- Diameter: 4821 km
- Distance from Jupiter: 1,883,000 km
- Strength of Gravity: 1.24 N/kg
- Average Temperature: -155°C ( -247°F)
How Tos about Callisto: Galilean Moon of Jupiter
Engage students with a hands-on model of Callisto and the Moon
Gather materials such as clay, foam balls, and markers to represent Callisto and Earth's Moon. Hands-on activities help students visualize size and surface differences.
Guide students to research and compare key facts
Assign small groups to investigate topics like diameter, surface features, atmosphere, and orbit. Comparing facts builds critical thinking and curiosity.
Facilitate a creative poster or infographic project
Encourage students to design visual aids showing similarities and differences between Callisto and the Moon. Visual projects reinforce learning and presentation skills.
Organize a classroom discussion on exploration missions
Lead a talk about spacecraft that have visited Callisto and the Moon, such as Galileo and Apollo. Real-world connections inspire interest in space exploration.
Assess understanding with a fun quiz or game
Create a quiz or trivia game on key facts about Callisto and the Moon. Interactive assessments make learning memorable and enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Callisto: Galilean Moon of Jupiter
What is Callisto in astronomy?
Callisto is one of Jupiter's largest moons and the third-largest moon in our solar system. It is known for its heavily cratered surface and is considered one of the oldest landscapes in space.
How was Callisto discovered?
Callisto was discovered by Galileo Galilei in 1610, alongside three other major moons of Jupiter. These discoveries helped support the idea that not everything revolves around Earth.
Why is Callisto's surface so heavily cratered?
Callisto's surface is covered with craters because it has not undergone significant geological changes for billions of years, preserving ancient impact marks and making it one of the most cratered objects in the solar system.
What makes Callisto different from Jupiter's other moons?
Callisto differs from other Galilean moons by having a very old, icy, and cratered surface, while others like Europa and Io show more signs of geological activity such as volcanoes or surface reshaping.
Can Callisto support life?
Scientists believe Callisto is unlikely to support life due to its lack of significant atmosphere and geological activity, although it may have a subsurface ocean beneath its icy crust.
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