Callisto

Callisto, in astronomy

Callisto (kəlĭs`tō), in astronomy, one of the 39 known moons, or natural satellites, of Jupiter.

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Callisto, in Greek mythology

Callisto (kəlĭs`tō), in Greek mythology, an attendant of Artemis. Because she forsook her chastity and bore a son, Arcas, to Zeus, she was transformed into a bear by Artemis. According to another legend she was changed into a bear by the jealous Hera. Arcas, while out hunting, was about to kill her when Zeus intervened and transferred them both to the heavens, Callisto becoming the constellation Ursa Major [great bear] and Arcas becoming Arcturus.

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Callisto

In Greek mythology, a nymph and a hunting companion of Artemis. Though she vowed never to wed, she was seduced by Zeus, who turned her into a she-bear to conceal his infidelity from the jealous Hera. She was then killed by Artemis during a hunt. Other versions hold that it was Artemis or Hera, enraged at her unchastity, who turned her into a bear. After her death Zeus placed her in the heavens as the constellation Ursa Major (Great Bear).

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Callisto [kə′lis‚tō]

(astronomy)

A satellite of Jupiter orbiting at a mean distance of 1,884,000 kilometers. Also known as Jupiter IV.

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Callisto

nymph that Zeus transformed into a bear. [Gk. Myth.: Walsh Classical, 28]

See : Transformation