Chapter 5 tideson satellites of giant planets

Abstract

The discovery of the satellites of the giant planets started in 1610 when Galileo Galilei pointed his telescope toward Jupiter. Since then observations from Earth- and space-based telescopes and outstanding in-situ observations by several space missions have revealed worlds of great richness and extreme diversity. One major source of energy driving the evolution of these satellites is the gravitational pull exerted by their planets. This force shapes and deforms the satellites and the resulting dissipation of mechanical energy can heat their interiors and drive spectacular activity, such as volcanic eruptions, as for Io or Enceladus. In addition, tides drive orbital evolution by circularizing the satellites' orbits and synchronizing their rotational motions. © Springer-Verlag 2013.