Which of the following is the largest natural satellite in the Solar System by size and mass?

Introduction:
Planets in the Solar System have many natural satellites, commonly called moons. Some of these are larger than the planet Mercury. This question asks which one is the largest natural satellite in the Solar System in terms of size and mass, an important fact in basic astronomy.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on natural satellites, not artificial ones.
• We compare the size and mass of satellites.
• Options include Titan, Miranda, Moon, Ganymede, and Europa.
• Standard astronomical data are assumed.

Concept / Approach:
Ganymede, a moon of Jupiter, is the largest natural satellite in the Solar System. It is larger in diameter than the planet Mercury. Titan, a moon of Saturn, is also very large and has a thick atmosphere, but it is slightly smaller than Ganymede. Earth's Moon and Jupiter's other satellites like Europa and Saturn's smaller moons such as Miranda are all smaller. Therefore, the correct answer is Ganymede.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Jupiter has several large Galilean moons, including Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.Step 2: Remember that Ganymede is the biggest among all known natural satellites by diameter.Step 3: Compare with Titan, which is very large but slightly smaller than Ganymede.Step 4: Note that Earth's Moon, Europa, and Miranda are all smaller than Ganymede.Step 5: Select Ganymede as the largest natural satellite.

Verification / Alternative check:
Astronomy reference tables list diameters of major satellites. Ganymede has a diameter of about 5268 kilometres, while Titan has about 5150 kilometres and Earth's Moon roughly 3474 kilometres. This confirms that Ganymede is the largest. Many educational resources explicitly mention that Ganymede is bigger than Mercury, emphasising its status.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Titan, though massive and interesting due to its atmosphere, is marginally smaller than Ganymede in size. Miranda is a small moon of Uranus and is much smaller than Earth's Moon. Earth's Moon is large compared to many satellites but not the largest. Europa is another Galilean moon of Jupiter, smaller than Ganymede and known more for its icy surface and possible subsurface ocean.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners mistakenly choose Titan because they remember it as a very large moon with an atmosphere. Without direct comparison, it is easy to assume it is the largest. Remembering the specific fact that Ganymede is the largest natural satellite and that it belongs to Jupiter helps answer similar questions quickly.

Final Answer:
Correct option: Ganymede