Moons and Dwarf Planets in the Solar System

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the moons of Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and the dwarf planet Pluto, including their compositions, features, and significant discoveries.

What are the four large moons of Jupiter as depicted in the images?

Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.

What is the primary composition of Callisto's bright areas?

Mostly ice.

What indicates younger geological features on Ganymede?

The lighter areas are younger and less cratered.

What phenomenon suggests the presence of a subsurface ocean on Europa?

The sliding or rotating of ice blocks in the Conamara Chaos region.

In which moon of Saturn are geysers found?

Enceladus.

What feature characterizes the surface of Neptune's moon Triton?

Geysers that spew material into space.

What is the primary characteristic that defines Pluto's status as a dwarf planet?

Its small size relative to terrestrial planets.

What are the materials likely composing the liquid lakes on Titan?

Methane and ethane.

What kind of surface features are found on Pluto?

A variety of terrains including 'badlands', mountains of water ice, and frozen nitrogen plains.

What was the significant contribution of Clyde Tombaugh regarding Pluto?

He discovered Pluto in 1930.