Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! Credit: Voyager 1, NASA From APOD Why does Jupiter's moon Callisto alter the magnetic field of Jupiter in its vicinity? Callisto itself does not have a strong magnetic field. One possible answer is that Callisto harbors sub-surface oceans of electrically conducting salt-water. This hypothesis was bolstered recently by a new analysis of how Callisto creates and dissipates heat. Callisto is thought to create heat by the radioactive decay of internal rock -- a process that keeps the Earth's mantle molten. Callisto may not be able to dissipate this heat very efficiently, however, as it has thick layers of ice and rock on its surface. Perhaps this heat is enough to keep sub-surface water from freezing into ice. With this hypothesis, Callisto joins two other of Jupiter's moons, Europa and Ganymede, in candidates for sub-surface oceans. Callisto's oceans, however, might prove too hostile to support Earth-like life.
water??? Are Callisto's icy oceans composed of water or other compounds, like frozen CO2....ect. How do we know jupiter's moons contain water at all? Isn't there a probe planned to fly by and take specs of jupiter's moon Europa? Questions, and I need answers.
josharuni, The best way to find answers is to use a search engine. Here are the results on a search on one specific object. Your question. http://www.spaceref.com/redirect.ref?url=www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/&id=292 go to Future Missions - Europa Orbiter - Europa Orbiter Homepage Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
