2023-10-18 13:15:46
The Juno probe, which has been orbiting Jupiter since 2016, has delivered detailed images of the moon Io, highlighting its rich volcanic activity. These photos, the most detailed in decades, offer a new insight into this fascinating natural satellite, renowned for its more than 400 active volcanoes. This data, essential for scientists, could shed light on the internal dynamics of Io.
The moons of Jupiter are very interesting from a scientific point of view. Indeed, they present unique geological activity, active volcanoes and environments potentially conducive to the search for extraterrestrial life. Jupiter has 95 known moons, and the four largest—Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto—are known as the Galilean moons. NASA’s Juno probe passed within 352 kilometers of Europe last year, providing the closest images in more than two decades.
On October 16, 2023, Juno offered an unprecedented spectacle by capturing images of the moon Io this time, this time also the most detailed in decades. They were taken as the probe passed at a distance of 11,645 kilometers from the satellite. Its surface, slightly larger than that of the Earth, is marked by more than 400 active volcanoes.
An invitation to dream, ready to be worn.
Shadows of these volcanic peaks, some of which are thought to be higher than Mount Everest, are visible in the image. The new data obtained, made available by NASAshed light on the complex dynamics of Io and its role within the Jovian system, revealing previously unknown details.
Io, a world of fire and ice
Io is an example of extreme contrasts in our solar system. Its surface temperature, which reaches a freezing -157°C, could suggest a stable and inert environment. However, this moon is anything but calm. It is the scene of intense volcanic activity, with more than 400 volcanoes constantly erupting. These volcanoes eject lava at temperatures far exceeding those encountered on Earth, sometimes reaching 1650°C. This extreme heat contrasts sharply with the ambient cold of its surface.
The moon Io recently seen by the Juno probe (October 16, 2023). © NASA/SwRI/MSSS/Navaneeth Krishnan S
Additionally, Io has remarkable geological features, such as immense lava lakes, some of which are over 100 miles wide. These lakes, coupled with geysers of fire that erupt without warning, make Io a dynamic and unpredictable world. These unique phenomena in the solar system make this moon a prime subject of study for scientists seeking to understand the internal forces that drive it and the implications of these forces on other celestial bodies.
The Juno probe, a window into the past
The Juno probe mission, which began in 2011, represents a major milestone in the exploration of Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system. As it entered orbit around Jupiter in 2016, Juno began transmitting a wealth of information, enriching our understanding of this gas giant and its satellites.
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Among his exploits, the close flight over Europa was particularly notable. But Juno’s mission doesn’t stop there. Its current trajectory, spiraling around Jupiter, brings it closer to the volcanic moon Io during each orbit. This growing proximity promises even finer observations. In February 2024, the probe is expected to brush past Io at a distance of just 1,500 kilometers, allowing researchers to obtain images of unprecedented clarity and further research.
Before the age of Juno, it was the Galileo mission that dominated the exploration of Jupiter and its moons. Launched in 1989, this orbiter marked the history of astronomy by providing, in 2001, images of Io of unequaled quality for the time. However, after spending nearly a decade studying the Jovian system, a crucial decision was made regarding the end of Galileo’s mission. To preserve the integrity of Jupiter’s moons, particularly those suspected of having subterranean oceans of liquid water—environments where life could theoretically exist—Galileo was intentionally directed toward Jupiter in 2003, where it disintegrated into its thick atmosphere.
In a similar move, and reflecting NASA’s ongoing commitment to planetary protection, the Juno probe is also intended for a controlled purpose. In September 2025, it will be deorbited to plunge into Jupiter’s atmosphere, ensuring the safety of the surrounding moons.
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