- NASA’s Juno spacecraft made a second close visit to Jupiter’s volcanic moon Io.
- During this visit, Juno examined Io’s volcanic activity and surface features in detail.
- Using Juno’s data, scientists hope to learn more about Io’s structure and volcanic activities.
NASA’s Juno spacecraft has made its second close visit to Jupiter’s volcanic moon Io. This visit offered the opportunity to capture extraordinary views of Io.
NASA and Southwest Research Institute featuring images of Io to celebrate Juno’s recent visit released a new series of photos. Scientists also released a video showing Juno’s approach to the Jovian moon, filled with points of light from volcanic eruptions.
Juno, launched in 2011, entered Jupiter orbit in 2016. Each orbit takes Juno close to Jupiter’s poles before moving away from the planet. Originally planned to be completed in 2021, the mission was extended by NASA’s desire to explore larger moons.
Io is one of the moons visited by Juno. The spacecraft was recorded as the closest vehicle to the Moon ever, except for the Galileo spacecraft. Juno completed its 58th orbit in the last few days and made its second close pass to Io.
Io is under the influence of giant Jupiter and its satellite Europa and has become the center of volcanic activities. However, we do not have definitive information about how this process works exactly. Scientists hope to use Juno data to understand Io’s structure and volcanoes.
Juno’s mission has currently been extended until September 2025.
Compiled by: Ayça Ayaz
