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NASA captures stunning images of erupting volcano during flyby.

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NASA’s Juno Spacecraft Gets Close to Volcanic Moon Io

NASA’s Juno spacecraft has been getting closer and closer to Jupiter’s moon Io, a volcanic world. In May, Juno came as close as 22,060 miles, capturing high-quality images of Io. Over the next year, the spacecraft will continue to approach, eventually coming within 930 miles. The Hubble telescope orbits 332 miles above Earth.

Citizen Scientists and Professionals Process Juno Images

The photographs of Io captured by Juno are invaluable to planetary scientists. Io is the solar system’s most volcanic body, and by observing it on multiple passes, scientists can observe how the volcanoes change. The images are taken on Juno’s planned passes around Jupiter, not on a direct trajectory toward Io. The photos have been processed by both citizen scientists and professionals.

Io’s Volcanoes and Extreme Heat

Io is home to volcanoes due to the tug-of-war between the massive Jupiter and two other large moons, Ganymede and Europa. The heat created from the pull and push creates a profound amount of heat inside the moon, larger than our own, seeking to reach the surface, resulting in molten lava and extreme volcanism.

Conclusion

Juno’s close-up images of Io provide planetary scientists with invaluable data about the moon’s terrain and how it changes over time. The high-quality images taken by citizen scientists and professionals give us a glimpse into the intense heat and volcanic activity taking place on Io. The close-up shots of Io taken by Juno as it passes around Jupiter, provide us with data that we have never seen before.

FAQ

Q: What is Juno?
A: Juno is a spacecraft launched by NASA in 2011 to study Jupiter.

Q: What is Io?
A: Io is a moon orbiting Jupiter known for its extensive and active volcanic activity.

Q: What benefits do scientists get from Juno’s close-up shots of Io?
A: The images obtained from Juno provide planetary scientists with invaluable data about Io’s terrain and how it changes over time.

Q: How close will Juno get to Io?
A: Juno will eventually come within 930 miles of Io.

Q: What causes Io’s active volcanic activity?
A: Io’s volcanoes are caused by the tug-of-war between Jupiter and two other large moons, Ganymede and Europa.

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