Jupiter and the Moons

Explanation: How many moons do you see? Many people would say one, referring to the Earth 's Moon , prominent on the lower left. But take a closer look at the object on the upper right. That seeming-star is actually the planet Jupiter , and your closer look might reveal that it is not alone - it is surrounded by some of its largest moons. From left to right these Galilean Moons are Io , Ganymende , Europa and Callisto . These moons orbit the Jovian world just like the planets of our Solar System orbit the Sun , in a line when seen from the side. The featured single shot was captured from Cancun , Mexico last week as Luna , in its orbit around the Earth, glided past the distant planet. Even better views of Jupiter are currently being captured by NASA 's Juno spacecraft, now in a looping orbit around the Solar System's largest planet. Earth's Moon will continue to pass nearly in front of both Jupiter and Saturn once a month ( moon-th ) as the two giant planets approach their own great conjunction in December.

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