Elara

Elara is a term used as both a given name and the designation of a small outer moon of Jupiter. In astronomy, Elara refers to a Jovian moon classified as an irregular satellite. It orbits Jupiter as part of the Himalia group, a cluster of prograde moons with similar orbital characteristics. The name was assigned by the International Astronomical Union and is drawn from a figure in Greek mythology.

The moon is small and irregular in shape, with an orbit that places it among the distant, non-spherical satellites of Jupiter. Its classification and associations with the Himalia group help astronomers compare its origin and evolution with related moons.

As a given name, Elara is used in various languages and cultures. It has gained usage in modern fiction, film, and literature, and is used by parents for baby names in the 21st century. The etymology of the name is often linked to Greek roots or to mythological associations, though precise origins are not clearly established.

In popular culture, Elara appears as a character name in some literary and media works, reflecting its melodic quality and mythic associations. The name is also used for fictional places or organizations in speculative settings, though such usages typically draw on the celestial or mythic connotations of the name. Overall, Elara remains a versatile term spanning astronomy, onomastics, and creative media.