HIMALIA - MOON OF JUPITER

Himalia is named after a Cyprian nymph who had three sons by Zeus. Himalia was discovered in 1904 by Charles Perrine, who also found Jupiter's moon, Elara.

Orbit

Himalia orbits at an average distance of 11.5 million kilometres, taking about 250 days to complete one orbit. Himalia, Elara, Leda, and Lysithea have orbits with similar distances from Jupiter, similar inclinations and eccentricities, and this suggests that these four small moons have a common origin. They could have come from a single captured asteroid that was subsequently broken up to form four moons.

Orbits of the inner group of Jupiter's outer moons.

Physical properties

Measuring 170 kilometres in diameter, Himalia is by far the largest of the outer satellites of Jupiter.

Interior

There is no information concerning the interior of Himalia.

Magnetic field

No magnetic field has been detected.

Surface

Nothing is known about the surface of Himalia.

Atmosphere

No atmosphere has been detected.