Jupiter's IR Picture
Jupiter near infrared composite, 5-18-2017 (credit: Gemini Telescope and Juno Mission, JPL)
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Juno probe has an elliptical orbit over Jupiter's poles. In association with the Gemini Observatory on Mauna Kea in Hawai'i, images of the giant planet were scanned using near-infrared (IR) light during a mid-polar fly-by. A series of photos were used to create a collective composite of the planet in IR. The resulting image revealed haze over a range of altitudes as seen in the reflected light. Other details included Jupiter's Great Red Spot first seen in 1665 by Geovanni Cassini.
According to the Lab, multiple filters were used to capture colors corresponding to different infrared wavelengths. The final image shows the Great Red Spot as the brightest region (white) seen in IR. Other IR filters were sensitive to high-altitude clouds and haze above the top of Jupiter's polar storms and weather systems. Juno completed its closest Jupiter approach shortly after these IR observations were made. The mission continues its Jupiter encounters and will likely return more stunning photography. WHB