The Juno mission turns its attention to Jupiter’s moons

The Juno mission caused a stir in 2021 when it revealed more in-depth observations of the Solar System’s largest planet, Jupiter, than ever before. The satellite’s findings regarding the gas giant’s atmosphere allowed scientists to calculate the depth of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot – the Solar System’s largest storm. Juno’s mission will continue throughout 2022 and until at least 2025, with two events in the mission’s near future that are particularly exciting.

Within the next 12 months, Juno will pass close to the surface of the Jovian moon Europa twice. The spacecraft will first orbit Europa in February, when it passes the moon at a distance of around 46,600 kilometres (29,000 miles). Later in 2022, the spacecraft will sweep much closer to the Jovian moon. Juno’s September passage of the icy moon will bring it within 350 kilometres (221 miles) of Europa’s surface. Close observations of this Jovian moon are particularly exciting, as it has demonstrated evidence that beneath its icy shell lurks liquid-water oceans. During these passages, Juno could catch further evidence of these oceans on Europa, setting up NASA’s forthcoming Europa Clipper mission to the Jovian system, which could reveal if Europa also hosts the conditions needed for life.