The arrival of Jupiter

Tomorrow (21st September) Jupiter's approach comes closest to the earth and as such it is the best time to view both the planet and its moons.

In our solar system there are approximately 140 known moons of which Jupiter has the lion's share at sixty two, four of which are the largest around any planet.

1. Callisto: The outermost of the four and the most heavily cratered. It is thought to hold a body of water.
2. Io: The innermost moon and the most sulphurous and volcanic, with hundreds of eruptions at any one time. It also appears to have an atmosphere.
3. Europa: This has an icy surface which may cover liquid water.
4. Ganymede: The largest moon in the solar system being larger in diameter than Mercury and has its own magnetic field.

Resurrect your telescope and enjoy the view!

Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries will provide more detail on the planets and their fascinating moons.