Juno jupiter polar

NASA's Juno spacecraft orbits Jupiter on a polar trajectory, revealing for the first time details of giant cyclones and the magnetosphere of the Solar System's largest planet.

About this subject

NASA's Juno mission, launched in 2011, was the first to orbit Jupiter over its poles. This polar trajectory allows the spacecraft to study regions never before observed up close, such as the auroral zones and the massive cyclones that cluster at the planet's north and south poles. Unlike previous missions like Galileo, which orbited in the equatorial plane, Juno dives to within 4,200 km of Jupiter's cloud tops, collecting data on atmospheric composition, gravitational field, and internal structure of the gas giant. One of the most striking discoveries was a cluster of nine cyclones at the north pole and six at the south, each hundreds of kilometers across, forming unique geometric patterns. These structures are maintained by atmospheric currents and challenge previous climate models. Additionally, Juno has mapped Jupiter's magnetic field with unprecedented detail, revealing it is more irregular than expected, with varying intensity zones. The spacecraft also detected intense polar auroras powered by charged particles from the volcanic moon Io. Equipped with advanced solar panels, Juno operates at a record distance from the Sun, relying on solar energy even in extreme radiation conditions. The mission has been extended to 2025, with plans to fly by the Galilean moons Ganymede, Europa, and Io in future orbits, expanding our understanding of the Jovian system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Juno orbit Jupiter in a polar trajectory?

The polar orbit allows Juno to study regions never seen before, such as Jupiter's poles, its auroras, and magnetic field with high resolution. It also helps map the planet's gravity and avoid most of the intense radiation from the equatorial belt.

What did Juno discover at Jupiter's poles?

The spacecraft found clusters of giant cyclones: nine at the north pole and six at the south, arranged in geometric patterns. Additionally, it detected extremely active polar auroras and a complex, irregular magnetic field.

How long will the Juno mission last?

The mission has been extended to September 2025. During this phase, Juno will conduct flybys of the moons Ganymede, Europa, and Io, deepening our understanding of the Jovian system.