Reference Work Entry

Dictionary of Minor Planet Names

pp 20-20

(52) Europa

Discovered 1858 Feb. 4 by H. Goldschmidt at Paris.

Named for the daughter of Agenor {see planet (1873)}, king of Phoenicia, and sister of Cadmus {see planet (7092)}. She was carried off across the water to Crete on the back of a bull, which form had been assumed by Jupiter who was enamored of her. Europa became the mother of Minos, Sarpedon {see planets (6239) and (2223), respectively} and Rhadamanthus. (H8)

Named by Marshal Vaillant.

The name Europa has also been given to the second satellite of Jupiter, discovered 1610 by Galilei.

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