NASA’s Juno spacecraft has recently executed the most intimate approaches to Jupiter’s moon Io in over two decades. Equipped with the “JunoCam” instrument, it has delivered stunning high-resolution photographs, along with raw data now accessible for your exploration and refinement.
On December 30th, 2023, Juno ventured as close as approximately 930 miles (1,500 kilometers) from Io’s surface, marking it as the most volcanically active body in our solar system. This week witnessed another remarkably close flyby, this time primarily over Io’s southern hemisphere, contrasting with previous passes that focused on the northern regions. The imagery reveals fascinating features: active volcanic plumes, towering mountains casting sharp shadows, and molten lava lakes dotted with what seem to be islands.
Deciphering these observations presents a complex puzzle, and the team behind JunoCam invites your collaboration. Past contributors like Gerald Eichstadt have seen their enhanced images featured in scientific studies and media briefings, highlighting the value and impact of volunteer involvement.
