Europa (moon)

Europa (ew-roe'-pa, /ju'ro:pa/ {{Audio|en-Europa.ogg|listen}}, Greek Ευρώπη) is a moon of the planet Jupiter, smallest of the four Galilean moons. It is named after Europa, one of Zeus's many love interests in Greek mythology, after whom the continent of Europe is also named.

Related Topics:
Greek - Moon - Planet - Jupiter - Galilean moon - Europa - Zeus's - Greek mythology

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Although the name "Europa" was suggested by Simon Marius soon after its discovery, this name and the names of the other Galilean satellites fell out of favor for a considerable time, and was not revived in common use until the mid-20th century. In much of the earlier astronomical literature, it is simply referred to by its Roman numeral designation as Jupiter II or as the "second satellite of Jupiter".

Related Topics:
Simon Marius - 20th century

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