The Planet Song Ganymede

Ganymede, the largest moon in the solar system, orbits Jupiter and is larger than Mercury and Pluto, slightly smaller than Mars. Discovered by Galileo in 1610, it would be classified as a planet if it orbited the Sun. Ganymede has a unique magnetic field, an iron-rich core, and a potential ocean beneath its surface. It takes about 7 days to orbit Jupiter and is approximately 4.5 billion years old. Its internal structure includes layers of ice and rock, with a solid iron core.

Who discovered Ganymede and in what year?

• Galileo Galilei in 1610

• Isaac Newton in 1687

• Nicolaus Copernicus in 1543

• Albert Einstein in 1905

What makes Ganymede unique among moons in the solar system?

• It is the only moon with a volcanic surface.

• It is the only moon larger than Earth.

• It is the only moon that orbits the Sun.

• It is the only moon with its own magnetic field.

What is Ganymede primarily composed of?

• Hydrogen and helium

• Silicate rock and water

• Methane and ammonia

• Iron and nickel

How long does it take Ganymede to orbit Jupiter?

• 30 days

• 14 days

• 7 days

• 3 days

What is the approximate diameter of Ganymede?

• 5,500 miles

• 4,000 miles

• 2,500 miles

• 3,273 miles