About 4 billion years ago, an asteroid collided with Ganymede, one of Jupiter’s largest moons, with a size about 20 times larger than the asteroid that may have caused the extinction of dinosaurs on Earth. This impact radically altered Ganymede’s axis of rotation, potentially creating conditions conducive to life on the moon.
Ganymede, known for its underground ocean that could support life, has been a subject of interest for scientists. The moon’s surface displays concentric circles of furrows believed to be the result of a powerful asteroid impact. However, the exact scale and impact of this collision were unknown until a recent study.
Research published in the journal Scientific Reports revealed that the asteroid strike on Ganymede hit a point nearly opposite Jupiter, causing a significant shift in the moon’s rotation axis. The asteroid, estimated to be about 190 miles in diameter, left a crater measuring between 870 to 1000 miles wide, showcasing what scientists refer to as a “temporary” crater.
Despite the ancient impact, Ganymede continues to intrigue researchers due to its unique features. In 2015, the Hubble telescope discovered evidence of a subglacial salty ocean on Ganymede reaching depths of up to 60 miles, significantly deeper than Earth’s oceans.
The European Space Agency has plans to send the probe Juice to Ganymede, expected to arrive in 2034. The probe will spend six months orbiting Ganymede, collecting data to further understand the moon’s history, the effects of the asteroid impact, and the overall evolution of Ganymede.