Jupiter, Io, and Ganymede's Shadow
Explanation:
Jupiter, the
solar system's largest planet,
is seen here next to
Io, its closest
Galilean moon.
On the cloud tops of
Jupiter
near the left edge of the picture can be seen a dark circular spot which is
caused by the shadow of
Jupiter's largest moon
Ganymede.
Jupiter's cloud tops show light bands
and dark belts. The clouds are primarily composed of
hydrogen and
helium,
but their intense colors are probably caused by very small amounts of
heavier elements such as sulfur or organic (carbon-containing) compounds.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
