Ganymede

space · Jupiter · moons · ice worlds

Bigger than Mercury. Ganymede is the largest moon in our entire Solar System. It is so big that it is even larger than the planet Mercury, though it weighs less because it is made of different materials.

Hidden ocean. Scientists believe Ganymede might have a liquid water ocean hiding underneath its thick layer of ice. This ocean could contain more water than all the oceans on Earth combined.

Icy surface. Ganymede has a surface covered in ice, with cracks and ridges created by ancient geological activity. The ice makes it look like a giant frozen ball floating in space.

Seven-day orbit. Ganymede takes about seven days to orbit once around Jupiter. It moves in perfect rhythm with two other moons, creating a beautiful cosmic dance called orbital resonance.

Magnetic field. Unlike most other moons, Ganymede has its own magnetic field, which creates amazing auroras (light shows) near its poles.