The Juno spacecraft recently conducted close flybys of Jupiter’s moon Io, known as the most volcanically active body in the solar system. During these flybys, Juno captured stunning images of erupting volcanoes and a massive 127-mile-long lava lake known as Loki Patera on Io’s surface.
Maps created using data collected by Juno revealed that Io’s surface is remarkably smooth compared to other Galilean moons. Additionally, the spacecraft found that the poles of Io are colder than the mid-latitude regions.
In addition to studying Io, Juno also collected important data on Jupiter itself, including its north polar cyclones and the abundance of water in its atmosphere. Recent findings from Juno’s Microwave Radiometer (MWR) data confirmed that the water abundance near Jupiter’s equator is three to four times greater than the solar abundance when compared to hydrogen.
Juno’s extended mission is proving to be incredibly valuable in helping scientists understand Jupiter’s formation. The spacecraft’s next close flyby of Jupiter is scheduled for May 12th, where it will continue to gather essential data to further our knowledge of the gas giant and its intriguing moons.
Overall, Juno’s recent observations of Io and Jupiter have provided groundbreaking insights that will undoubtedly contribute to our understanding of the solar system’s largest planet.
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