Crosspost: Amateur astronomer discovers a tiny moon around Jupiter

Written By: Dorris Elin Urrutia for space.com 

Gif showing a  series of images taken onFeb. 24, 2003 by the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope revealing the newly discovered Jovian moon. Credit: S.S. Shepard/CFHT/CADC

An amater astronomer has discovered a previously unknown moon around Jupiter after poring over old telescope images, a major first.

"I’m proud to say that this is the first planetary moon discovered by an amateur astronomer!" moon searcher Kai Ly said in a July 8 Sky and Telescope report that details the discovery.

Jupiter may have dozens or even hundreds of undiscovered moons orbiting around it. This massive planet boasts a substantial gravitational field that allows it to capture space debris into its orbit. Jupiter currently hosts at least 79 moons, and the number continues to grow. The latest discovery was made by Ly, an amateur astronomer, and it's the latest addition to the catalogue of the Carme group of Jovian satellites.

Learn more about Kai Ly's amazing discovery and the relevance of citizen science in astronomical discoveries at the link below: 

https://www.space.com/amateur-astronomer-jupiter-moon-discovery