In Depth | Ganymede – NASA Solar System Exploration
Ganymede has three main layers: A metallic iron core at its center, a spherical shell of rock (mantle) surrounding the core, and a spherical shell of mostly ice surrounding the rock shell.
Planet Compare - NASA Solar System Exploration
Oct 21, 2025 · NASA’s real-time science encyclopedia of deep space exploration. Our scientists and far-ranging robots explore the wild frontiers of our solar system.
In Depth | Europa – NASA Solar System Exploration
Jupiter’s large Galilean moons – Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto – likely formed out of leftover material after Jupiter condensed from the initial cloud of gas and dust surrounding the …
In Depth | Sun – NASA Solar System Exploration
The core is the hottest part of the Sun. Nuclear reactions here – where hydrogen is fused to form helium – power the Sun’s heat and light. Temperatures top 27 million °F (15 million °C) and it’s …
Jupiter 3D Model – NASA Solar System Exploration
You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.
In Depth | Io – NASA Solar System Exploration
As Jupiter rotates, it takes its magnetic field around with it, sweeping past Io and stripping off about 1 ton (1,000 kilograms) of Io's material every second. This material becomes ionized in …
In Depth | Titan – NASA Solar System Exploration
The innermost layer is a core of rock (specifically, water-bearing silicate rock) about 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) in diameter. Surrounding the core is a shell of water ice—a special type …
In Depth | Amalthea – NASA Solar System Exploration
Orbiting within Io's orbit, which is the innermost of the four largest moons of Jupiter (called the Galilean moons), are four smaller moons named Metis, Adrastea, Amalthea, and Thebe.
In Depth | Earth's Moon – NASA Solar System Exploration
Structure Earth's Moon has a core, mantle, and crust. The Moon’s core is proportionally smaller than other terrestrial bodies' cores. The solid, iron-rich inner core is 149 miles (240 kilometers) …
About the Planets - NASA Solar System Exploration
May 28, 2025 · Explore Mars Outer Planets The giant planets in the outer solar system don't have hard surfaces. Instead, they have swirling gases above a core. Jupiter and Saturn are gas …