Hubble Finds Evidence of Water Vapor at Jupiter’s Moon Ganymede

The video explores the discovery of water vapor in Ganymede's atmosphere, the largest moon in our solar system. Initial observations using the Hubble Space Telescope revealed differences in auroral bands, initially attributed to atomic oxygen. However, 2018 data showed minimal atomic oxygen, suggesting sublimation of surface ice as the cause. This discovery enhances our understanding of the Jovian system and the formation of gas giant planets and their moons.

What makes Ganymede unique compared to other moons in our solar system?

• It has a thick atmosphere.

• It is larger than Mercury and Pluto.

• It is closer to the Sun than Earth.

• It is the smallest moon.

What was initially thought to cause the differences in Ganymede's auroral bands?

• Presence of atomic oxygen

• Presence of water vapor

• Changes in surface temperature

• Variations in magnetic field

How did researchers in 2018 measure the atomic oxygen in Ganymede's atmosphere?

• Using ground-based telescopes

• With the Hubble Space Telescope's Cosmic Origins Spectrograph

• By sending a probe to Ganymede

• Through satellite imagery

What process occurs on Ganymede's surface when it warms up?

• Melting into liquid water

• Condensation

• Evaporation

• Sublimation

What is the significance of understanding the Jovian system and Ganymede?

• To find new planets

• To understand the formation and evolution of gas giant planets and their moons

• To discover new elements

• To measure the size of the universe