The Juno mission is a NASA space probe orbiting Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system. Launched in 2011, Juno arrived at Jupiter in 2016 and has been studying the planet ever since. The mission is designed to investigate Jupiter's interior, atmosphere, and magnetic field, and to search for clues about the planet's formation and evolution.
What has Juno discovered so far?
Juno has made several important discoveries about Jupiter, including:
* Jupiter's atmosphere is a complex and dynamic system, with swirling clouds, powerful storms, and a strong magnetic field.
* Jupiter's interior is mostly made of hydrogen and helium, with a small rocky core.
* Jupiter's magnetic field is the strongest in the solar system, and it extends far beyond the planet's atmosphere.
* Jupiter has a thin ring system, made up of small particles of dust and ice.
* Jupiter's moons are diverse and fascinating, with some moons having water oceans beneath their surfaces.
What can we expect during the rest of the Juno mission?
The Juno mission will continue to orbit Jupiter until at least September 2023. During this time, Juno will continue to collect data on Jupiter's atmosphere, interior, and magnetic field. The mission will also make close flybys of Jupiter's moons, including Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa. These flybys will provide scientists with valuable information about the moons' interiors, atmospheres, and surface features.
What are the goals of the Juno mission?
The primary goal of the Juno mission is to improve our understanding of Jupiter's interior, atmosphere, and magnetic field. The mission will also investigate Jupiter's moons and search for clues about the planet's formation and evolution. The Juno mission is expected to provide valuable insights into the workings of giant planets and help us better understand the solar system as a whole.
When will the Juno mission end?
The Juno mission is scheduled to end in September 2023, when the spacecraft will be intentionally de-orbited into Jupiter's atmosphere. This will prevent the spacecraft from contaminating Jupiter's moons, which may have potential for life.
