Image via NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS/Kevin M. Gill (CC-BY)
NASA’s Juno spacecraft has captured a fish-eye view of Jupiter’s surface with a dark shadow cast by its moon, Io.
As the Sun does not move too far from Jupiter’s equatorial plane, the gas giant’s moons often cast shadows throughout the year. So far, scientists have confirmed 79 moons linked to Jupiter.
In NASA’s image, the moon Io takes center stage by forming a dramatic shadow above the planet’s clouds. The shadow spans about 2,2000 miles wide, estimated to be the same as the moon’s width.
The space agency also stated that Io has many active volcanoes within its thin atmosphere.
Take a look at the breathtaking image below.
[cover image via
NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS/Kevin M. Gill (CC-BY) ]