Metis as observed by the Galileo spacecraft.

METIS - MOON OF JUPITER

Metis is named after a Titaness who was highly regarded for her wisdom. She was the daughter of Oceanus and Tethys, and the first wife of Zeus (Jupiter). Metis was discovered in Voyager 1 images by Stephen Synnott in 1979.

Orbit

At a distance of 128,000 kilometres, Metis is the innermost of Jupiter's satellites. So close to Jupiter, it takes just seven hours to complete its orbit.

The orbits of Jupiter's inner moons.

Physical properties

Metis has an elongated shape, best described as an ellipsoid. Its average diameter is 40 kilometres but has a long axis of 60 kilometres.

Interior

There is no information concerning the interior.

Surface

Metis is a very dark object (albedo 0.05). The image of Metis acquired by the Galileo spacecraft shows no surface detail. Vague markings on the surface are shadows caused by the satellites irregular topography

Magnetic field

No magnetic field has been detected.

Atmosphere

No atmosphere has been detected.

Metis in Jupiter's rings

Metis orbits at the edge of one of Jupiter's rings. Meteoritic bombardment of Metis' surface causing dust to be ejected into the orbit of Jupiter is likely as the mechanism of formation of the ring system.

Map of Jupiter's ring system and inner moons.

More about Metis in Jupiter's rings