New research suggests that Ganymede, Jupiter’s largest moon, was struck by an asteroid over 20 times bigger than the one responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs. This catastrophic event, which occurred 4 billion years ago, left a crater nearly 1,000 miles wide and may have caused the moon to rotate, positioning the impact site on the side facing away from Jupiter.
The study, led by Dr. Naoyuki Hirata from Kobe University, utilized computer simulations to explore how this massive collision could have destabilized Ganymede, resulting in significant changes to its surface and potentially its interior, which is believed to harbor a hidden saltwater ocean.
As we await further exploration, the European Space Agency’s Juice mission, currently en route to Jupiter, is set to investigate this ancient impact and its lasting effects on Ganymede. The mission could provide critical insights into the moon’s history and its potential for harboring life.