Angular momentum transfer to the inner Jovian satellites

Transfer of angular momentum from Jupiter to the four inner satellites in the presence of the Jovian magnetic field is considered. Electron-flux measurements near Io's flux tube and theoretical estimates of the electric currents flowing through the same flux tube are used to estimate the angular-momentum transfer during the evolutionary history of the Jovian system. The results show that the electric currents are sufficient to have produced an angular-momentum transfer from Jupiter equal to the present angular momentum of the inner satellites.