The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Juno probe has sent back on Earth new images of Jupiter taken during its 66th approach to the planet. The $1 billion craft completed another flyby of Jupiter on October 23, reaching the planet's poles for the first time.
The Juno probe has been in orbit around Jupiter since July 2016. During that time, the device transmitted to Earth thousands of invaluable images of the atmosphere of the planet and its moons. The newly acquired photos look equally mesmerizing.
During its last flyby, Juno passed close to Amalthea, Jupiter's fifth-largest moon, which has an oblong shape. The radius of the satellite is 84 km, which is significantly smaller than the Earth's Moon.
Juno's camera, JunoCam, continues to capture images that reveal details of Jupiter's challenging climate. In addition to the camera, the design of the probe includes a magnetometer, a microwave radiometer and other instruments that help conduct scientific activities.
Curiously, the Juno mission does not have a team of scientists involved in processing the resulting images. Instead, the images are processed by enthusiasts, then posted on a dedicated website. You can also find higher resolution photos of this article there.
Two missions are currently focused on studying Jupiter, which will replace Juno in the future. The European Space Agency's JUICE probe, launched into space last year, will take several images of the moon Callisto when it approaches in 2031.
Later, the device will explore other moons of Jupiter. NASA's Europa Clipper, launched recently, will reach Jupiter in 2030, where it will study the planet's moons, paying special attention to Europa.
Juno's next approach to Jupiter will take place on November 25. The probe's mission will end on September 15, 2025, when the device will make a "death dive" in the gas giant during its 76th approach to the planet.
