Ganymede (moon)

Ganymede ({{IPA2|?gæn??mi?d}}, gan'-i-meed, Greek Γανυμήδης) is Jupiter's largest moon, and indeed the largest moon in the entire solar system; it is larger in diameter than Mercury but only about half its mass. Ganymede is much larger than Pluto. Ganymede is the only planetary satellite (besides the Moon) that can be seen by the naked eye - but only with very good eyesight during ideal seeing conditions. Therefore it is no surprise that it was discovered only in 1610 by Galileo Galilei and named after the cup-bearer of the Greek gods, beloved of Zeus (see Ganymede (mythology)).

Related Topics:
Jupiter - Moon - Largest - Solar system - Mercury - Pluto - 1610 - Galileo Galilei - Greek gods - Zeus - Ganymede (mythology)

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Although the name "Ganymede" was suggested by Simon Marius soon after its discovery, this name and the names of the other Galilean satellites fell into disfavor for a considerable time, and were 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 III or as the "third satellite of Jupiter". Ganymede is the only Galilean moon of Jupiter named after a male figure.

Related Topics:
Simon Marius - 20th century

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