Callisto (moon)

Callisto ({{IPA2|k??l?sto?}}, ka-lis'-toe, Greek Καλλιστώ) is a moon of the planet Jupiter, discovered in 1610 by Galileo Galilei. It is the third-largest moon in the solar system, about the same size as the planet Mercury.

Name

Callisto is named after Callisto, one of Zeus's many love interests in Greek mythology.

Related Topics:
Callisto - Zeus's - Greek mythology

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Although the name "Callisto" was suggested by Simon Marius soon after the moon's discovery, this name and the names of the other Galilean satellites fell into disfavour for a considerable time, and were not revived in common use until the mid-20th century. In much of the earlier astronomical literature, Callisto is simply referred to by its Roman numeral designation, Jupiter IV or as "the fourth satellite of Jupiter".

Related Topics:
Simon Marius - Galilean satellites - 20th century

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In scientific writing, the adjectival form of the name is usually Callistoan.

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