Compass and scale file for Jupiter and Ganymede

In this crisp Hubble image, Ganymede is shown just before it ducks behind the giant planet.Composed of rock and ice, Ganymede is the largest moon in our Solar System. It is even larger than the planet Mercury. But Ganymede looks like a dirty snowball next to Jupiter, the largest planet in our Solar System. Jupiter is so big that only part of its Southern Hemisphere can be seen in this image.

Hubble's view is so sharp that astronomers can see features on Ganymede's surface, most notably the white impact crater, Tros, and its system of rays, bright streaks of material blasted from the crater.

The image also shows Jupiter's Great Red Spot, the large eye-shaped feature near the centre

Credit:

NASA, ESA and E. Karkoschka (University of Arizona)

About the Image

NASA press release
Id:opo0842b
Type:Collage
Release date:18 December 2008, 15:00
Size:1500 x 1200 px

About the Object

Name:Ganymede, Jupiter
Type:Solar System : Planet : Type : Gas Giant
Solar System : Planet : Satellite
Category:Solar System

Image Formats

r.titleLarge JPEG
318.5 KB
r.titleScreensize JPEG
141.7 KB

Colours & filters

BandWavelengthTelescope
Optical
B
410 nm Hubble Space Telescope
WFPC2
Optical
V
502 nm Hubble Space Telescope
WFPC2
Optical
673
Hubble Space Telescope
WFPC2

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