A spacecraft reaches the closest point to Jupiter's moon `Io`

2023-12-31 2023-12-31T14:17:58Z

Arabia Weather - NASA's Juno spacecraft conducted the closest flight near Jupiter's moon Io . This event is the closest of its kind in recent decades, as it flew about 930 miles (1,500 kilometers) from the volcanic surface of the moon, and it is expected that this approach will provide the opportunity for the Juno spacecraft to collect large amounts of data.

Juno principal investigator Scott Bolton of the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas, said they are studying the effects of volcanic eruptions on Io's surface. He added:

“We are looking to examine how often the volcano has erupted, its temperature, the intensity of its radiation, the evolution of the lava flow and to understand how Io's activity is affected by the flow of charged particles in Jupiter's magnetic field.”

This space flight is considered one of the most important astronomical events, as it contributes to expanding our understanding of space phenomena and the dynamics of the outer planets in our solar system.

The Juno spacecraft is preparing for a new flyby around Jupiter's moon Io.

NASA's Juno spacecraft is scheduled to make a new flyby on February 3, 2024 , when it will again approach the surface at about 930 miles (1,500 kilometers).

During its previous missions, Juno observed the volcanic activity of Jupiter's moon Io from distances ranging between 6,830 miles (11,000 km) and 62,100 miles (100,000 km).

In his statements, Scott Bolton, principal researcher on the Juno project , indicated that this upcoming flight will help complete the spacecraft’s investigations into the origin of Jupiter. The source of volcanic activity on Io will be examined and the presence of a magma ocean under its crust will be examined, in addition to studying tidal forces. The islands of Jupiter have an important influence on this unique moon.

This trip comes within the framework of the “Juno” mission , which extends for the third year, which aims to understand the depths of Jupiter and its physical interactions. The solar-powered spacecraft will also explore Jupiter's ring system, including the giant planet's inner moons.

Juno reveals the secrets of the moon "Io"

During its recent flyby of Jupiter's moon Io , all cameras aboard Juno were active, and the aurora infrared chartreuse, which captures infrared images, collected unique thermal signatures from volcanoes.

The mission's stellar reference unit, which specializes in stellar imaging and navigation, obtained the highest resolution image of the surface to date. As for the JunoCam device , it provided us with colorful images with visible light, completing this unique exploration of the secrets of Io and the mysterious natural phenomena that occur on its surface.