Jupiter’s volcanic moon Io, as captured by NASA’s Juno spacecraft on October 15, 2023. Processed by … [+]
Jupiter’s fiery moon Io is the star of the latest batch of images to be returned from the Jovian system by NASA’s Juno spacecraft.
In orbit of the giant planet since 2016, the bus-sized probe is now in a phase of its mission that periodically takes it close to some of Jupiter’s largest moons. It’s the latest in a series of flybys of Io that began in April.
Juno captured Io and Jupiter in the same shot during its 55th perijove on October 15, 2023.
During its most recent close flyby of the planet, its 55th, Juno passed just 7,270 miles (11,700 kilometers) from Io, making it the closest pass since NASA’s Galileo probe imaged the volcanic moon in October 2001.
The spacecraft, which spins as it orbits, even used its two megapixel JunoCam to capture Jupiter and Io in the same shot (above).
Io is the most volcanic world in the solar system with eruptions orders of magnitude bigger than anything similar on Earth. According Io expert Jason Perry, Juno observed a pair of volcanic plumes at Prometheus and Volund on the moon’s surface.
The cause is frictional tidal heating, with the gravitational pull of Jupiter—as well as its other large moons Ganymede, Europa and Callisto—producing immense heat during Io’s 42-day orbit of the giant planet. It’s thought this process creates an ocean of magma under the surface.
Jupiter, as imaged by Juno on October 15, 2023. processed by Kevin M. Gill.
The images here were returned from Jupiter via NASA’s Deep Space network and pieced together by citizen scientists, who regularly download the raw data then upload the finished images to the mission’s official website.
For those fascinated by Io, more is to come. In December, Juno will get to within just 930 miles (1,500 kilometers) of Io’s surface, taking the closest-ever images.
Juno’s next perijove, its 56th, will take place on November 22, according to the mission’s website.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
