2026-09-09 · space
The Discovery of Amalthea: A Celestial Milestone
On September 9, 1892, astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard made a significant discovery at the Lick Observatory in California. He identified Amalthea, the fifth moon of Jupiter, using the observatory's 36-inch refractor telescope. This moment marked the last time a natural satellite was found through visual observation, illustrating the advancements in astronomical techniques of the era.
Fun fact. Amalthea is named after a nurturing figure from Greek mythology, signifying its importance as a celestial body.