NASA’s Juno captures stunning close-up of Jupiter’s moon Io’s volcanic activity; see image here

NASA’s Juno probe captured stunning images of Jupiter’s volcanic moon Io, featuring detailed views of plumes rising from its surface. (Image: NASA)

NASA’s Juno spacecraft has unveiled Io's fiery secrets. During a close flyby on 30 December 2023, the Stellar Reference Unit (SRU) captured detailed black-and-white images of Io’s surface. The images highlight the moon’s volcanic intensity in stunning clarity.

Zal Patera Reveals Fresh Lava Flows
The SRU captured Io from about 932 miles away. This high-resolution image provides details as fine as 895 to 1,230 meters per pixel. The view reveals the Zal Montes-Patera complex and part of the Tonatiuh eruptive centre.

Fresh lava flows are visible in Zal Patera. This large dark area sits between two towering mountains. Scientists also detected sulfur dioxide gas near the lava flows. Thermal emissions suggest active lava breakouts around Zal Patera and South Zal Mons. A curved emission feature nearby hints at an active lava channel.

This black-and-white visible wavelength (450-1,100 nm) image of Io's surface was taken by the Stellar Reference Unit (SRU) aboard NASA's Juno spacecraft during a close flyby of the volcanic moon on Dec. 30, 2023. (Image: NASA)

Tonatiuh’s geomorphology has also been revealed in detail. A fresh dark lava flow stretches 98 miles long and 11 miles wide. This flow is linked to Promethean-style insulated flow fields.

Read Also: NASA’s Juno mission cracks decade-long mystery of Jupiter’s moon Io’s volcanic secrets

SRU Expands Its Role in Space Science
The SRU, originally designed for star positioning, has proven versatile. It previously captured shallow lightning on Jupiter and activity on Europa. Now, it offers scientists unparalleled views of Io's volcanoes in action.

This data marks a new chapter in understanding Io's volatile surface. The findings are a significant step forward for Juno’s ongoing mission to explore Jupiter’s moons.