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With Icy Volcanoes, the Moon Europa Is Obscure, Along With These 3 Other Moons

From Io, the most volcanically active body known to science, to Titan, which boasts its own weather cycle, take a tour of our solar system's otherworldly moons.

By Max Bennett
Mar 7, 2024 2:00 PMMar 8, 2024 9:07 PM
Saturn moon Enceladus in front of planet Saturn, rings and other moons
(Credit: dottedhippo/Getty Images)

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Planets get most of the attention when it comes to astronomical discussions. Their moons, on the other hand, are a bit more obscure. Neptune, Jupiter and Saturn are well-known names, but what about Enceladus, Io, and Titan?   

A whopping 293 moons, most of which are small enough to resemble asteroids, dance around the planets of our solar system. The universe is not concerned about equal distribution here, either: For example, Venus has no moons, Earth has one, and Saturn has a staggering 146.  

These moons, or natural satellites as they’re sometimes called, are also not built equally. From plasma-spewing hellscapes to a frigid land with air so thick a human could don a winged suit and take flight, these extraterrestrial moons are fascinating worlds in their own right, and may even be unexpected candidates for harboring life. 

1. Io 

(Credit: Gwengoat/Shutterstock)
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