Chapter 11, Problem 48EAP

Galilean Moon Formation. Look up the densities of Jupiter’s four Galilean moons in Appendix E, and notice that they follow a trend with distance from Jupiter. Based on what you’ve learned about condensation in the solar nebula, can you suggest a reason for this trend among the Galilean moons? Next, compare the densities of the moons with the planetary densities in Table E.1. Based on the comparison, do you think it was as hot toward the center of the nebula surrounding Jupiter as it was at the center of the solar nebula? Explain.