Callisto’s surface

Definition

Callisto's surface is the outermost layer of Jupiter's moon, Callisto, covered in ice and heavily cratered. It is one of the most ancient and least altered surfaces in the Solar System.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Callisto's surface is the most heavily cratered in the Solar System, indicating its old age.
2. It features a mix of ice and rock with a high albedo due to its icy composition.
3. Valhalla Basin is one of the largest impact craters on Callisto, spanning roughly 3,800 km.
4. The lack of tectonic activity on Callisto suggests it has never experienced significant geological change.
5. Callisto's surface has a thin atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide.

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Related terms

Ganymede:

The largest moon of Jupiter and the only moon known to have a magnetic field.

Europa:

A Galilean moon with a smooth icy surface believed to have an ocean beneath.

Io:

The innermost Galilean moon known for its intense volcanic activity.