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Juno Spacecraft

All articles tagged with #juno spacecraft

science2 months ago

Webb Telescope Reveals Intense Volcanic Activity on Jupiter’s Moon Io

Scientists using NASA's Juno data have found that Jupiter's moon Io is emitting hundreds of times more heat than previously estimated, mainly from localized volcanic sources, challenging the idea of a global magma ocean beneath its surface. This new understanding results from analyzing different infrared spectral data, revealing that Io's volcanoes have hot outer rings and cooler centers, which significantly increases the estimated heat flux. The findings suggest that previous models based solely on certain infrared bands may have underestimated Io's thermal output, but do not definitively rule out the existence of a magma ocean. Future missions may provide more detailed insights into Io's intense volcanism.

science5 months ago

NASA's Juno and Hubble Observe Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Near Jupiter

NASA's Juno spacecraft could potentially intercept the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS as it approaches Jupiter in 2025, offering a rare opportunity to study this enigmatic object up close, which may even be artificial in origin. The mission would involve a maneuver around Jupiter to rendezvous with 3I/ATLAS, providing valuable data on its composition and nature, whether natural or possibly alien technology.

science5 months ago

NASA's Hubble Captures Detailed Images of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

Astronomers and scientists are exploring the possibility of intercepting the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS with NASA's Juno spacecraft to study it up close, prompted by calls from Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb. However, experts point out significant technical and fuel limitations, making such a mission challenging, though observations from Mars or other spacecraft are still considered valuable. The opportunity to study this rare interstellar visitor is fleeting, with the closest approach expected in December.

science5 months ago

Congress Urges NASA to Pursue Interstellar Visitor with Jupiter Probe

Astronomers and policymakers are considering the possibility of sending NASA's Juno spacecraft to intercept the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, which is passing through our solar system at high speed. While some experts doubt the feasibility due to fuel and technical limitations, others see potential for valuable observations, especially as the object approaches perihelion near Mars. The effort highlights the rare opportunity to study an interstellar visitor up close, though significant challenges remain.

science5 months ago

NASA Repairs and Overheats JunoCam to Capture Jupiter and Io Images

NASA's Juno spacecraft faced radiation damage to its JunoCam camera while orbiting Jupiter. The team used a novel annealing process, heating the camera to temporarily repair radiation-induced damage, which allowed the camera to capture detailed images of Io's volcanoes just before the damage recurred. This experience offers valuable lessons for designing radiation-tolerant spacecraft and satellites.

science1 year ago

NASA's Juno Reveals Stunning New Images of Jupiter's Storms

NASA's Juno spacecraft, currently in its extended mission, has captured stunning images of Jupiter's upper atmosphere during its 66th close flyby. The mission, which began in 2016, has provided valuable data about the gas giant, with citizen astronomers playing a key role in processing and sharing images. Juno's next close approach is scheduled for November 25, and the mission is expected to continue until September 2025 or until the spacecraft ceases to function.

space-exploration1 year ago

"Platypus Photos on Europa: Clues to Extraterrestrial Life?"

NASA's Juno spacecraft has captured high-resolution images of Jupiter's moon Europa, revealing a region called 'the Platypus' where saltwater may reach the surface from an ocean beneath the ice. This discovery is significant for the search for extraterrestrial life, as it provides a promising location to study the composition of the water and look for living organisms. Two more missions, NASA's Europa Clipper and the European Space Agency's Juice, are set to explore Europa further in the coming years.