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Encyclopedia > Jupiter > Satellites > Himalia

THE OUTER SATELLITES OF JUPITER : 

HIMALIA (J-6)



Above, a CCD image from the Observatoire de Haute-Provence (120cm telescope). The satellite is detectable from surrounding stars by its motion.


Characteristics Values
distance to Jupiter  11 443 000 km 
average size  170 km 
visual magnitude   14.8
revolution period 250 days
orbital velocity 3 km/s
inclination of the orbit
on the Jovian equator		 25°
eccentricity of the orbit 0.1 to 0.2
density (water=1) 3,7
escape velocity 117 m/s
reflectivity (geometric albedo ) 0.03

The outer satellite of Jupiter Himalia (Jupiter VI) was discovered in 1904 by Perrine because of its brightness.


Origin of the name : click here.