Astrophysics Presentation Elon University Spring 2010 Jessica Jackson

Is There Life on the Moons of the Gas Giants?

Jupiter’s Galilean Moons Io Europa Ganymede Callisto

How did moons come about? Formed systematically with Jupiter Possibly formed from sub nebula around Jupiter

Why isn’t Jupiter a star? Sun: 78% hydrogen 19.8% helium Jupiter: 89% hydrogen 11% helium

Mass! Sun produces heat energy from fusion. Sun’s core = 60,000,000 °C Jupiter’s core = 33,000 °C Jupiter would need to be 60X more massive to be a star.

Jupiter’s Io Iron-rich core, silicate mantle and crust Entirely molten at least once

JJupiter’s Europa Layer of liquid-water below Europa’s surface

Saturn’s Titan

Huygens Probe Discoveries Wind speeds up to 210 m/s Nitrogen 87%-99% Methane 1%-6% Argon 0%-6% Atmospheric pressure is 1.5 atm Temperature 93 K

Liquid water on Titan? No, but methane

Saturn’s Enceladus

Saturn’s Mimas Herschel Crater

Uranus’ Miranda