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The Unveiling of Amalthea: Jupiter’s Tiny Moon Captured by Juno Probe
Recently, NASA’s Juno probe unveiled two remarkable images featuring Jupiter’s often overlooked moon, Amalthea. During its 59th close flyby of the gas giant on March 7, the spacecraft captured mesmerizing views of Jupiter’s swirling winds and vibrant belts, with a surprise appearance by one of its enigmatic moons.
A Rare Glimpse of Amalthea
In the first image, Amalthea appears as a mere speck against the backdrop of Jupiter’s iconic Great Red Spot, spanning an impressive 10,159 miles (16,350 kilometers). As the moon drifts in its orbit, the subsequent image showcases Amalthea positioned just below one of Jupiter’s striking belts. Though modest in size, Amalthea is one of Jupiter’s four diminutive moons that reside within Io’s orbital path.
Characterized by its irregular shape, Amalthea spans 52 miles (84 kilometers) and resembles a celestial potato. Despite its unassuming appearance, the moon’s surface is marked by impact craters, hills, and valleys. Renowned as the reddest object in our solar system, Amalthea exhibits a curious phenomenon where it potentially emits more heat than it receives from the Sun. This anomaly may be attributed to Jupiter’s potent magnetic field inducing electric currents in Amalthea’s core or tidal forces resulting from the gas giant’s gravitational pull.
The Fascinating History of Amalthea
Discovered in 1892 and christened after a mythological water nymph, Amalthea nurtured the infant Roman god Jupiter in ancient folklore. Holding the distinction of being the third closest moon to Jupiter among the 95 known moons, Amalthea completes its orbit around the gas giant in approximately half an Earth day. Despite its diminutive size, this celestial body exudes a profound sense of resilience and significance in the intricate tapestry of Jupiter’s moon system.
Enthusiasts and amateur astronomers alike can explore Juno’s captivating images through the mission’s official website, where these particular glimpses of Amalthea were meticulously enhanced by citizen scientist Gerald Eichstädt. This revelation underscores the enduring allure and scientific value of Amalthea, shedding light on the enigmatic beauty and complexities of Jupiter’s celestial companions.
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