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New Moon of Jupiter Discovered

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the heavenly-bodies dept.

xihr writes "Astronomers have discovered a new moon of Jupiter, bringing its known retinue of satellites to a whopping 40. The new moon, designated S/2002 J1, is only 3 km wide, and has a highly inclined and eccentric orbit. Astronomy.com has the story."

2 of 152 comments (clear)

  1. Questions by MattC413 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Only 3 km wide? At what point does it go from being a relatively small chunk of rock floating around a planet to being a moon?

    Would it be possible haul enough of a mountain into space orbit to be technically classified as a moon? I mean, man has walked on Earth's moon.. but is he able to make one himself? Or has he already?

    -Matt

    1. Re:Questions by Simon+Field · · Score: 5, Interesting


      Astronomers and cosmologists use the term "metal" as a shorthand for anything other than hydrogen and helium.

      --

      Free book: Science Toys You Can Make