Lesson plan
Sponde
Sponde , also known as , is an irregular satellite of Jupiter. It was discovered by a team of astronomers from the University of Hawaiʻi led by Scott S. Sheppard in 2001, and given the temporary designation . Sponde is about 2 kilometres in diameter, and orbits Jupiter at an average distance of 23.3 million km in 728 days, at an inclination of 146° to the ecliptic, in a retrograde direction and with an eccentricity of 0.189. The frequently changing orbit causes Sponde to next come to apojove (farthest distance from Jupiter) on 5 September 2026 when it will be from Jupiter. It was named in August 2003 after one of the Horae (Hours), which presided over the seventh hour (libations poured after lunch). The Hours, goddesses of the time of day but also of the seasons, were daughters of Zeus (Jupiter) and Themis. The name ends in an "e" because the orbit is retrograde. It belongs to the Pasiphae group, irregular retrograde moons orbiting Jupiter at distances ranging between 22.8 and 24.1 million km, and with inclinations ranging between 144.5° and 158.3°.
Article summary
Sponde , also known as , is an irregular satellite of Jupiter. It was discovered by a team of astronomers from the University of Hawaiʻi led by Scott S. Sheppard in 2001, and given the temporary designation . Sponde is about 2 kilometres in diameter, and orbits Jupiter at an average distance of 23.3 million km in 728 days, at an inclination of 146° to the ecliptic, in a retrograde direction and with an eccentricity of 0.189. The frequently changing orbit causes Sponde to next come to apojove (farthest distance from Jupiter) on 5 September 2026 when it will be from Jupiter. It was named in August 2003 after one of the Horae (Hours), which presided over the seventh hour (libations poured after lunch). The Hours, goddesses of the time of day but also of the seasons, were daughters of Zeus (Jupiter) and Themis. The name ends in an "e" because the orbit is retrograde. It belongs to the Pasiphae group, irregular retrograde moons orbiting Jupiter at distances ranging between 22.8 and 24.1 million km, and with inclinations ranging between 144.5° and 158.3°.
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
Bibliography
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Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.