Juno contains instruments designed to explore Jupiter’s atmosphere, magnetic field and gravity as well as its three largest moons – Ganymede, Europa and Callisto. Furthermore, Juno can now observe Jupiter’s polar auroras like never before! Juno features not only science equipment but is also decorated with three aluminum Lego figures depicting Galileo and his telescope….
Jupiter emits strong radio waves in both intermittent bursts and steady streams with variable frequencies, likely coming from charged particles present within its intense radiation belts. NASA’s Galileo mission orbited Jupiter, while Ulysses passed through its magnetosphere on its journey towards Saturn. Juno will provide researchers with vital data regarding Europa and Ganymede where liquid…
Most spacecraft traveling to Jupiter travel on long looping routes through the solar system, passing close by multiple planets (and sometimes moons) to gain momentum and build speed – this process is known as gravity assist. NASA’s Galileo probe used this approach to explore Jupiter, uncover its magnetic field and radiation belt structures, hint at…
Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, will come closer to Earth than ever in 59 years this Monday, making itself visible in the night sky as an enormous, bright spot. Astronomers can use any telescope to view its many moons and Great Red Spot (an oval twice wider than Earth) through telescopes. It…
NASA’s Pioneer 10, 11 and Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft have captured amazing flyby footage of Jupiter. Previous encounters showed its intense magnetism, volatile weather patterns and impressive collection of moons. Juno will come closer than any of those missions to Jupiter than any previous spacecraft; its orbit will allow it to observe both its…
When asked which planet is closest to Earth, most would likely answer Venus – which makes sense given that it travels along its shortest orbit more frequently and thus comes closer to us more frequently. Mercury is actually the correct answer: from now until early August it is in opposition with Earth and this proximity…
Tonight, Jupiter will be visible close to Earth and should shine brighter than all the stars combined. When viewing it with proper binoculars, its striped bands and three or four of its Galilean moons should become evident. Venus reappears in evening twilight shortly after sunset, rising low over the west-north-western horizon before joining an 11…
When asked which planet is nearest the Earth, people typically reply “Venus.” Although this statement may be accurate in most instances, Venus does not always constitute the closest planet. New research proves that Mercury is indeed our nearest planet when measured accurately; scientists used an advanced mathematical technique which takes time into account to demonstrate…
Usually when asked what planet is closest to Earth, most will answer Venus; however, this may not be accurate. Mercury, Venus and Earth come first; Mars follows; then Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are seen setting and rising after the Sun. These inferior planets set and rise after him. Mercury Mercury, the closest and smallest…
