Jupiter – Page 3 – NeRDs Moonbase

Hubble Provides Unique Ultraviolet View of Jupiter

November 3, 2023 NeRD

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope reveals an ultraviolet view of Jupiter. NASA, ESA, and M. Wong (University of California – Berkeley); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America) This newly released image from the NASA Hubble Space Telescope shows the planet Jupiter in a color composite of ultraviolet wavelengths. Released in honor of Jupiter reaching opposition, which occurs when the planet and the Sun are in opposite sides of the sky, this view of the gas giant planet includes the iconic, massive storm called the “Great Red Spot.” Though the storm appears red…

The moon will match up with Jupiter on Oct. 28

October 27, 2023 NeRD

The two most brilliant objects in the night sky will make an eye-catching duo on Saturday (Oct. 28). Looking low to the east-northeast around 7 p.m. local daylight time, you’ll see the Hunter’s full moon of October. Sitting about 4.5 degrees to the lower left of the moon will be the lordly light belonging to the largest planet in our solar system: Jupiter. Your clenched fist held at arm’s length measures roughly 10 degrees, so the moon and Jupiter will be separated by about half a fist.f you stay up…

James Webb Space Telescope spots jet stream on Jupiter stronger than a Category 5 hurricane

October 19, 2023 NeRD

Though NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was initially touted as having the power to unveil our universe’s furthest horizons — and it surely has — some of the observatory’s most gorgeous images are actually ones of our very own solar system. With its gold-plated hive of mirrors and backpack of infrared equipment, such as the Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam), the James Webb Space Telescope has reintroduced us to the stunning place we call home, making us feel like we’re seeing our planetary neighbors for the first time all over again.…

Jupiter’s volcanic moon Io looks stunning in new Juno probe photos

October 18, 2023 NeRD

NASA’s Juno mission has captured stunning new views of Jupiter’s moon Io and its lava-scarred surface. During a recent flyby on Oct. 15, Juno passed near Jupiter’s fifth moon, Io, which is the most volcanically active body in the solar system. The moon’s tortured surface appears tie-dyed with swirls of light and dark spots and large swaths of molten-red patches in new photos shared by NASA on X (formerly Twitter). The volcanic activity on Io has created lakes of molten silicate lava on its surface. Dark, molten-red patches spread across…

See Jupiter meet up with a bright moon in the night sky tonight

October 1, 2023 NeRD

Skywatchers who are out during the late evening hours on Sunday will almost certainly be attracted toward the eastern sky, where the two brightest visible objects at that hour will be readily evident. The moon, now a waning gibbous phase, will be poised near a brilliant silvery non-twinkling “star.” That object is not a star, however, but the largest planet in our solar system: Jupiter. Jupiter comes up over the eastern horizon just before 9 p.m. local daylight time. It rises about four minutes earlier each night, so by the end of October…

Next stop, Europa? Nano subs to get test beneath Antarctic ice in 2026

September 21, 2023 NeRD

Submarines, it turns out, could have a big future in space exploration. The subsurface oceans of the Jupiter moon Europa and Saturn satellite Enceladus are perhaps the most tantalizing places in the solar system in the search for alien life. But these water bodies remain out of reach, hundreds millions of miles away and beneath thick icy crusts. Now, a European collaboration aims to break through some of the technological and physical barriers in the way of future exploration of icy moons and their waters, using Antarctica as a proving…

Why Are Jupiter’s Rings So Thin?

August 1, 2022 NeRD

Why does the biggest planet in the solar system have such flimsy rings? New research shows Jupiter’s moons may be to blame. The post Why Are Jupiter's Rings So Thin? appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

Amateur Spots Possible New Impact Flash at Jupiter

September 14, 2021 NeRD

An amateur astronomer has discovered a possible new impact flash in Jupiter’s equatorial region. Observers may yet see the dark impact scar. The post Amateur Spots Possible New Impact Flash at Jupiter appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

The 12-Year Cycle of Jupiter Oppositions

August 20, 2021 NeRD

Jupiter is at opposition on August 19th. If we take the long view — 12 years long — we can watch Jupiter’s oppositions as it passes through the zodiac constellations. The post The 12-Year Cycle of Jupiter Oppositions appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

Jupiter Dazzles at Opposition on August 20th

August 18, 2021 NeRD

Jupiter comes to opposition on August 20th, when it will shine brighter and closer than at any other time this year. With nights starting earlier and cooler temperatures arriving, there’s no better time to make the most of the planet. The post Jupiter Dazzles at Opposition on August 20th appeared first on Sky & Telescope.