McKay, Hill, Buckler, and Ebrey, (2000) states in 1610, Italian philosopher and scientist Galileo Galilei conducted the first telescopic study of Jupiter and documented his findings in Siderus Nuncius.

Reta Beebe (2000) states planetary scientists are interested in studying Jupiter further to learn about its interior structure, chemical composition, atmospheric circulation, heat loss, and aging processes. Astronomers have detected more than 80 planets orbiting other stars, however Jupiter can serve as an accessible laboratory as scientists try to understand the limited data that can be obtained from these distant worlds. Reta Beebe (2000) states new ways to explore more efficiently are needed, including improved spacecraft power systems, ion drive engines, miniaturization of instruments, and upgrades to Earth-based radio receiving equipment. Small craft could be used to map Jupiter’s gravitational and magnetic fields, sample its atmosphere, or perform other tasks. As data comes in, new probes can be constructed and launched in less time and at less expense than larger spacecraft such as Galileo.

Jupiter, encircled by at least 39 satellites and a series of thin rings, is similar to a miniature solar system. The ring is composed of three parts: a main ring, a halo, and an outer ring. The ring and the four inner moons form a closely related system. Beyond the rings and small inner satellites are Jupiter’s famous Galilean moons. Galileo discovered these satellites in 1610. Reta Beebe (2000) states these four moons are much larger than Jupiter’s other satellites. They range from the size of Earth’s Moon to the size of the planet Mercury. The closer a moon is to Jupiter, the more dense it tends to be, just as the closer a planet is to the Sun, the more dense it tends to be.

Some topics in this essay:
Reta Beebe, Robert Hooke, Rings Moons, Structure Astronomers, NASA’s Pioneer, Ptolemy Ptolemy’s, Sun Galileo, Earth’s Moon, Venus Jupiter, Sun Jupiter, reta beebe, beebe 2000, reta beebe 2000, solar system, beebe 2000 jupiter, jupiter’s mass, gravitational force, gravitational field, galileo discovered, view solar, galileo discovered satellites, view solar system, 2000 jupiter, nasa spacecraft,