Overview

Chaldene (provisional designation S/2000 J 10) is one of Jupiter's many small irregular satellites. It is classified as a non-spherical, retrograde moon that orbits far from the planet in a distant, inclined orbit. Because of its small size and remote orbit, Chaldene is observable only with medium to large telescopes and is studied primarily through astrometry and photometry rather than detailed imaging.

Physical characteristics

Chaldene is estimated to be about 3.8 kilometres across, so it lacks the gravity necessary to pull itself into a spherical shape. Like other irregular satellites, it likely has a dark, heavily cratered surface composed of rock and ice mixed with carbon-rich material. Photometric measurements suggest a low albedo typical of captured or primordial small bodies, but detailed compositional data are not available.

Orbit and dynamics

This moon orbits Jupiter at an average distance of roughly 22,713,000 kilometres and completes one orbit in about 699.3 days. Its orbit is noticeably eccentric (eccentricity ≈ 0.2916) and highly inclined relative to the ecliptic (around 167°), which corresponds to about 169° relative to Jupiter's equator. These properties mark Chaldene as a retrograde object, moving in the opposite direction to Jupiter's rotation and the majority of the large regular satellites.

Discovery and naming

Chaldene was discovered in 2000 by a team led by Scott S. Sheppard from the University of Hawaii and originally received the provisional tag S/2000 J 10. The discovery team published positional measurements and orbital elements as part of ongoing surveys for faint Jovian moons. In October 2002 it was assigned the name Chaldene, drawn from Greek mythology and associated with Zeus in traditional accounts; the official name replaced the provisional designation.

Chaldene is considered a member of the Carme group, a collection of irregular, retrograde satellites that share similar orbital distances and inclinations. The Carme group is characterized by orbits with semi-major axes typically between about 23 and 24 million kilometres and inclinations near 165°. Members are thought to originate from a single progenitor body that underwent collisional fragmentation.

Significance and observation

Although Chaldene itself is small and of limited individual scientific interest, studying it contributes to understanding the population of irregular satellites and the collisional and capture history of the Jovian system. Comparing its orbit and physical properties with other members of the Carme group helps test models of satellite fragmentation and capture mechanisms. For further context on the naming conventions and mythological background, see references to Chaldene in classical sources (naming, mythology), and for group dynamics consult summaries of the Carme group.