What is the geological status of Callisto relative to Io within the Jovian system?
Answer
Callisto is considered geologically inert because it orbits too far from Jupiter.
Callisto provides a key contrast illustrating the dependence on proximity to the giant planet. Although it is a large satellite, Callisto orbits much farther away from Jupiter than Io does. Consequently, it does not become caught in the tight orbital resonance that causes massive energy dissipation through tidal flexing. Because it lacks this powerful, continuous tidal energy input, Callisto is believed to be geologically inert, possessing only residual heat from its formation, unable to overcome natural heat loss to maintain a molten core or active surface features.
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