NASA’s Juno mission is set to achieve its closest approach to Jupiter’s moon Io on July 30, providing an opportunity to gather data on the moon’s erupting volcanoes. Traveling within just 13,700 miles (22,000 kilometers) of Io, the spacecraft will harness the Italian-built JIRAM instrument to better understand the heat sources and active volcanoes on the moon.
During Juno’s previous flyby of Io on May 16, significant changes were observed on the moon’s surface, specifically an expanding lava flow field. The JIRAM instrument also captured detailed images of Loki Patera, Io’s largest volcanic depression. These findings have fueled scientists’ anticipation to gather more data on Io’s volcanic activity during the upcoming flyby.
Furthermore, the Juno mission has not only been focused on scientific exploration but has also sought to engage and inspire the next generation of scientists. Recently, a workshop was held with European students and early career scientists, allowing them to discuss the mission’s findings and develop scientific projects based on the data collected thus far.
The Juno mission, which embarked on its journey to study the Jovian system in 2016, will enter its third year of the extended mission on July 31. With its groundbreaking discoveries and ongoing data collection, Juno continues to provide a deeper understanding of our solar system as it pertains to the giant gas planet, Jupiter, and its fascinating moons.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Juno mission’s encounters with Io and the Jovian system, as Insider Wales Sport provides the latest news on this unprecedented mission of scientific exploration.
