Largest satellite in solar system

Pro Research Analysisby

Searched over 200M research papers

Analyzed relevant papers

Largest Satellite in the Solar System

Ganymede: The Largest Natural Satellite

Ganymede, a moon of Jupiter, holds the title of the largest natural satellite in the Solar System. With a diameter of about 5,268 kilometers, it surpasses even the planet Mercury in size. Ganymede's immense size and unique characteristics have made it a subject of extensive scientific study .

Geological Features and Stratigraphy of Ganymede

Ganymede's surface is a mix of two main types of terrain: the older, heavily cratered dark regions and the relatively younger, lighter regions marked by grooves and ridges. Studies have focused on understanding the formation and tectonic evolution of these terrains. High-resolution images and geological maps have been used to analyze the stratigraphy and crater size-frequency distributions, revealing complex geological histories influenced by tectonic resurfacing and impact cratering .

Comparison with Other Large Satellites

While Ganymede is the largest, other significant moons in the Solar System include Saturn's Titan and Neptune's Triton. Titan, the second-largest satellite, is notable for its thick atmosphere and surface lakes of liquid methane and ethane, making it a key interest in astrobiology . Triton, Neptune's largest moon, is unique for its retrograde orbit, suggesting it was likely captured by Neptune's gravity rather than forming in place 15.

Conclusion

Ganymede stands out as the largest satellite in the Solar System, with a complex geological history that continues to intrigue scientists. Its comparison with other large moons like Titan and Triton highlights the diverse and fascinating nature of the Solar System's natural satellites.

Sources and full results

Most relevant research papers on this topic

Neptune's capture of its moon Triton in a binary–planet gravitational encounter

A three-body gravitational encounter between a binary system and Neptune is a more likely explanation for Triton's capture, suggesting it was once a member of a binary system similar to the Pluto-Charon pair.

Highly Cited

2006·

262citations

·C. Agnor et al.

Cluster analysis of the large natural satellites in the solar system

The Canberra distance is the most effective distance for clustering large natural satellites in the solar system, and including Planet Nine's moon improves cluster discrimination.

2021·

4citations

·S. Mehdipour et al.

The Solar Optical Telescope of Solar-B (Hinode): The Optical Telescope Assembly

The Solar Optical Telescope (SOT) on the Solar-B satellite will provide high-precision photometric and polarimetric observations of the Sun in visible light spectra with a spatial resolution of 0.2-0.3 arcsec.

Highly Cited

2008·

348citations

·Y. Suematsu et al.

A common mass scaling for satellite systems of gaseous planets

The mass fraction of gas planets' satellite systems is regulated to 10-4 by a balance of material supply and orbital decay, suggesting similar processes could limit the largest moons of extrasolar Jupiter-mass planets to Moon-to-Mars size.

Highly Cited

2006·

275citations

·R. Canup et al.

The Origin of Neptune’s Unusual Satellites from a Planetary Encounter

An in situ origin for Triton and Nereid is possible, with a deep planetary encounter with an ice giant imparting irregular and eccentric orbits to both moons.

2020·

6citations

·Daohai Li et al.

Stratigraphy, Crater Size–Frequency Distribution, and Chronology of Selected Areas of Ganymede’s Light and Dark Terrains

The light terrain on Ganymede formed soon after the completion of dark terrain formation, with some regions influenced by secondary and sesquinary craters and tectonic resurfacing activities.

2023·

1citation

·N. R. Baby et al.

On the possibility of biological evolution on the moons of Jupiter

The Cassini-Huygens mission has shown that water ice and dust may form a liquid ocean on Saturn's moon Enceladus, suggesting potential for biological evolution on the moons of Jupiter.

2011·

2citations

·J. Chela-Flores

Geophysical evolution of Saturn’s satellite Phoebe, a large planetesimal in the outer Solar System

Phoebe's shape may have relaxed due to heat from 26Al decay, suggesting it may have formed in the transneptunian region and later accreted onto outer planet satellites.

2012·

33citations

·J. Castillo‐Rogez et al.

Prebiotic-like chemistry on Titan.

Titan's complex organic chemistry, analogous to Earth's, offers a promising astrobiological environment for future exploration.

Highly Cited

2012·

80citations

·F. Raulin et al.

Formation of Regular Satellites from Ancient Massive Rings in the Solar System

Most regular satellites in the solar system likely formed from ancient massive rings that once surrounded their planets, with Uranus and Neptune having had rings that disappeared to give birth to most of their regular moons.

Highly Cited

2012·

146citations

·A. Crida et al.

Try another search

paris climate change agreement

gerd versus gastritis

chinese scientist

fun facts about the universe

worldwide deaths per year

sources of co2