Short Wave Every Moon, Ranked
Apr 16, 2020
Science writer Jennifer Leman, known for ranking all 158 moons of our solar system, shares her fascinating insights with host Maddie Sofia. They dive into the fiery volcanic activity of Io and Titan's methane lakes, comparing them to Earth. Leman also discusses the significance of Diddy Moon in a NASA mission and highlights unique moons like Ganymede and Triton, exploring their intriguing characteristics and potential for life. Her engaging anecdotes inspire curiosity about these celestial wonders.
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Didymoon and the DART Mission
- Jennifer Leman ranked all 158 moons, including provisional moons, based on interviews and her "moonpinions".
- She highlighted Didymoon, a tiny moon orbiting the asteroid Didymos, targeted by NASA's DART mission.
Ganymede's Magnetosphere
- Ganymede, Jupiter's largest moon, is bigger than Mercury and possesses its own magnetosphere.
- This magnetic field shields it from harmful radiation, a key factor for potential life.
Triton's Cold Surface
- Triton, Neptune's moon, resembles a cantaloupe and has an extremely cold surface temperature of -391°F.
- This is due to its high albedo, reflecting 70% of sunlight.