Wednesday, November 20

Tag: Jupiter

Juno’s Journey Reveals Secrets of Jupiter’s Volcanic Moon, Lo
Science

Juno’s Journey Reveals Secrets of Jupiter’s Volcanic Moon, Lo

Since its launch in 2011, NASA's Juno spacecraft has been on a monumental voyage, uncovering the hidden secrets of the largest planet in our solar system, Jupiter. Not only has Juno enabled us to get a closer glimpse of Jupiter, but it has also shed light on the giant planet's intriguing satellites, particularly its volcanic moon, Io. The spacecraft's latest triumph involves a close encounter with Io, revealing fascinating images of its volcanic activity. Although the images that have been making rounds on the internet are artist's renditions based on Juno's data, they offer an unprecedented view of Io's volcanic landscape. The data was gathered during Juno's low-altitude flybys of Io in late 2023 and early 2024. The probe flew at a distance of approximately 930 miles (1,500 kilometers)...
Europa: A Moon of Jupiter and Its Potential Habitability
Science

Europa: A Moon of Jupiter and Its Potential Habitability

Jupiter's moon Europa, popularly known for its subsurface ocean, has been a subject of interest for astronomers and scientists worldwide. Recent studies, however, suggest that Europa may not be as hospitable to life as previously thought due to low levels of oxygen. Europa, named after the beautiful Phoenician princess in Greek mythology, is one of the four largest moons orbiting Jupiter, referred to as the Galilean moons. Its icy surface, which is believed to cover a deep, salty ocean, has given rise to speculation about the possibility of life existing beneath. Oxygen is a critical element for life as we know it. It is involved in various biological processes, including respiration, which is crucial for the survival of many life forms. However, the question of whether Europa's ocea...