NASA’s Juno spacecraft has captured volcanic plumes erupting into space on Io, Jupiter’s most volcanic moon. These unique images were captured during Juno’s last close flyby of Io. The discovery is part of Juno’s in-depth study of the Jupiter system.

Io’s volcanic activity photographed by NASA’s Juno spacecraft

As the Juno spacecraft passed within 3,862 km of Io in February, it imaged two columns of volcanic smoke erupting from Io’s surface into space. This was one of Juno’s most impressive observations to date. Io is the most active volcanic moon in our solar system, and hundreds of volcanoes are thought to produce lava jets reaching tens of kilometers high.

Juno’s latest close flyby provided scientists with new insights into Io’s volcanic processes. Scott Bolton, Juno’s principal investigator, said that the data from this close encounter is being analyzed and is beginning to reveal new information. Andrea Luck from Scotland processed Juno’s raw data to clarify these spectacular images.

Juno’s missions and Io’s future

Juno has been orbiting Jupiter for more than seven years, collecting important data about the gas giant’s atmosphere and internal structure. In the first phase of its mission, it discovered that Jupiter’s atmospheric air layers extend far beyond its clouds. After completing 35 orbits, Juno began to study the entire system, including Jupiter’s dust rings and moons. This extended mission will continue for another year or until the spacecraft completes its mission.

Juno’s JunoCam is designed to take close-up pictures of Jupiter and involve the public in the process. The science team is asking amateur astronomers to process the camera’s raw data and provide feedback to determine the next focal point. In addition to JunoCam, the Jovian Infrared Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) is also providing new information by observing Io’s volcanoes in infrared light.

From Galileo to Juno: Io’s volcanic history

Io was discovered by Galileo Galilei in 1610, but many centuries had passed when a volcanic eruption was first spotted by NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft. With Juno’s help, scientists are beginning to understand the mechanisms driving this volcanic activity.

Thanks to NASA volcano observations, Juno’s important discovery on Io allows us to learn more about the most volcanic world in our solar system. As Juno’s mission continues, such discoveries are expected to further illuminate Io’s volcanic activity.