Amalthea

Amalthea was the last moon to be discovered through visual observation with a telescope. The moon is named after the nymph Amalthea from Greek mythology, who nursed the infant Zeus. Learn all about Amalthea here!

Physical Characteristics

Amalthea is relatively irregular in shape and is known for its elongated appearance. It is not a spherical moon but rather more potato-like. Its dimensions are approximately 270 x 166 x 150 kilometers (168 x 103 x 93 miles). Its surface is reddish in color, likely due to its composition and exposure to radiation from Jupiter's powerful magnetosphere.

Unique Features

Amalthea is interesting due to its relatively close proximity to Jupiter, which subjects it to significant tidal forces. These forces contribute to the moon's elongated shape and might also generate internal heating, leading to some geological activity.

Rings and Dust

Amalthea's orbit lies within Jupiter's faint and tenuous ring system. It is believed that the moon continuously sheds material from its surface, contributing to the particles that make up the rings.

Satellites

The Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft provided some of the first detailed images of Amalthea during their flybys of Jupiter in 1979. These images revealed its irregular shape and surface characteristics.