- The discovery came to light while the researchers were investigating the chemical evolution of Sulphur dioxide (SO2) on Jupiter's moon, with Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation.
- This revealed the traces of formation of O3 on the Callisto.
- About O3 and its Significance
- Formed of three oxygen atoms, it is an unstable compound and can be easily formed and broken down.
- O3 layer in Stratosphere (around 15-35 km above ground) acts as invisible shield and protects from harmful UV radiation from Sun.
- UV rays can damage DNA, trigger mutations, and cause skin cancer and cataracts in humans.
- UV light also inhibits plant growth and has detrimental effects on various organisms.
- However, O3 found near surface of earth is considered a pollutant which has negative effects on humans, plants and animals.
- About Callisto
- It was discovered by Galileo Galilei.
- Callisto is Jupiter’s second largest moon and third largest moon in solar system.
- Jupiter has 95 officially recognised moons of which largest is Ganymede.
- It is most heavily cratered object in our solar system.
