Juno jupiter polar

NASA's Juno spacecraft has been orbiting Jupiter since 2016, revealing in detail the complex polar storms of the gas giant.

About this subject

The Juno mission, launched in 2011 and inserted into Jupiter's orbit on July 5, 2016, was designed to study the composition, gravitational field, magnetic field, and polar magnetosphere of the Solar System's largest planet. Unlike the equatorial orbits of previous missions, Juno follows a highly elliptical polar orbit that brings it as close as 4,200 km above Jupiter's cloud tops. This trajectory enables unprecedented observations of the polar regions, areas that had remained enigmatic until then.

Jupiter's poles revealed themselves to be completely different from the colorful cloud bands seen at lower latitudes. Instead of parallel stripes, the north pole displays a polygonal pattern of cyclones: a central cyclone surrounded by eight peripheral cyclones arranged in an octagon. At the south pole, the configuration is similar, but with only five cyclones around the central one. These storm systems are extremely stable and have persisted for years, with winds exceeding 350 km/h.

In addition to spectacular images, Juno's instruments measured the depth of these storms, detecting that their roots extend hundreds of kilometers into the atmosphere. The probe also discovered that Jupiter's magnetic field is more complex than the simple dipole model, containing regions of intense field and irregularities near the poles. Jupiter's polar auroras, the most powerful in the Solar System, are studied in detail by the onboard ultraviolet spectrograph.

The mission, initially scheduled to end in 2018, was extended until September 2025, allowing for additional flybys. Juno continues to provide data that challenge atmospheric and magnetic models, transforming our understanding of gas giants and, by extension, similar exoplanets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Juno placed in a polar orbit around Jupiter?

The polar orbit allows the spacecraft to pass directly over the poles, where it can study the auroras, magnetic field, and deep atmospheric structure in regions never before observed up close.

How many cyclones were found at Jupiter's poles?

At the north pole, eight cyclones surround a central one, forming an octagon. At the south pole, five cyclones circle a central cyclone. These systems are stable and have been monitored since Juno's arrival.

How much longer will the Juno mission last?

The primary mission ended in 2018, but was extended. Currently, Juno is expected to continue operating until September 2025, performing additional flybys and collecting scientific data.