Formation of the Galilean Moons
New simulations show that a chain of orbital resonances can reproduce the Galilean system
New simulations show that a chain of orbital resonances can reproduce the Galilean system
Let’s take a trip back to 1979 to check out the first signs of an ocean hidden deep beneath Europa’s icy shell.
It’s March 2, 1979. Two years ago, the Voyager spacecraft were launched on trajectories that will allow them to carry out their primary missions: the study of the outer Solar System, in particular Jupiter and Saturn. It’s just three days before Voyager 1’s closest approach to Jupiter. The paper that was published on March 2nd, 1979 in Science is a prediction for what the Voyager spacecraft might see on Io based on the orbital motions of these three satellites.