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The Mysterious Moons of Jupiter: Ganymede's Hidden Ocean

July 19, 2025

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Did you know that one of Jupiter's moons, Ganymede, might have an ocean hidden beneath its icy surface? Ganymede is the largest moon in our solar system, even bigger than the planet Mercury! Scientists believe that beneath its thick crust of ice, there could be a salty ocean. This ocean might hold more water than all of Earth's oceans combined! Isn't it amazing to think about what could be swimming around in that hidden ocean? Scientists use special spacecraft, like the Hubble Space Telescope, to study Ganymede from far away and learn more about its secret seas.

The idea of oceans on other moons and planets helps scientists imagine where else life might exist beyond Earth. If Ganymede has an ocean, it could also have the ingredients needed to support life. These exciting possibilities encourage scientists to plan future missions to explore Ganymede more closely. Maybe one day, we'll send a spacecraft to drill through its icy crust and discover what wonders lie beneath!
Ask Your Kid: Ask your kid: If you could send a robot to explore Ganymede's ocean, what tools would it need to discover if anything lives there?