Circumjovial

/ˌsɜːrkəmˈdʒoʊviəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or orbiting around Jupiter; occurring or existing in the space surrounding Jupiter.

Etymology

From Latin 'circum' (around) + 'Jovialis' (relating to Jupiter, from 'Iovis' meaning Jove/Jupiter). This astronomical term developed in the 17th-20th century as scientists studied Jupiter's moons and magnetosphere.

Kelly Says

When Galileo discovered Jupiter's four largest moons, he'd discovered objects in circumjovial space—they orbit around Jupiter just like our Moon orbits Earth! Modern space probes study circumjovial radiation belts that would fry an unprotected astronaut in seconds.

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