the moons discovered galileo—io, europa, ganymede, , callisto—are among largest satellites in solar system. orbits of 3 of them (io, europa, , ganymede) form pattern known laplace resonance; every 4 orbits io makes around jupiter, europa makes 2 orbits , ganymede makes one. resonance causes gravitational effects of 3 large moons distort orbits elliptical shapes, because each moon receives tug neighbors @ same point in every orbit makes. tidal force jupiter, on other hand, works circularize orbits.
the eccentricity of orbits causes regular flexing of 3 moons shapes, jupiter s gravity stretching them out approach , allowing them spring more spherical shapes swing away. tidal flexing heats moons interiors friction. seen dramatically in extraordinary volcanic activity of innermost io (which subject strongest tidal forces), , lesser degree in geological youth of europa s surface (indicating recent resurfacing of moon s exterior).
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