NASA's James Webb Space Telescope captures awesome rings around Jupiter

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has captured yet another stunning image, this time of Jupiter and its rings. Here’s more about it.

By: SHAURYA TOMER
| Updated on: Aug 23 2022, 12:09 IST
NASA reveals stunning Jupiter images captured by James Webb Space Telescope
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1/6 Amazingly, currently, on Jupiter, there are auroras, storms, extreme temperatures and powerful winds stirring things up, according to NASA. The images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope could give scientists a look at the conditions of the gas giant. (NASA)
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2/6 Planetary astronomer Imke de Pater, professor emerita of the University of California, Berkeley said, “We hadn’t really expected it to be this good, to be honest. It’s really remarkable that we can see details on Jupiter together with its rings, tiny satellites, and even galaxies in one image.” (NASA)
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3/6 The images were captured by the telescope's Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam) instrument on July 27, which highlighted the planet's unique features. According to NASA, the NIRCam has three specialized infrared filters that showcase details of the planet. (AFP)
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4/6 The image was created by compositing several images. Auroras are visible near the Northern and Southern poles of the planet. According to NASA, the auroras shine in a filter that is mapped to redder colors, which also highlights light reflected from lower clouds and upper hazes. (NASA)
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5/6 The Great Red Spot as well as other clouds can be visible in the images as white since it is reflecting the sunlight. The Great Red Spot is a giant vortex which has been swirling around on Jupiter’s surface for a long time. Jupiter’s 2 moons, Amalthea and Adrastea can also be seen “photo-bombing” the planet. (REUTERS)
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6/6 Thierry Fouchet, a professor at the Paris Observatory, as part of an international collaboration for Webb’s Early Release Science program said, “This one image sums up the science of our Jupiter system program, which studies the dynamics and chemistry of Jupiter itself, its rings, and its satellite system.” (NASA/AFP)
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Not just Jupiter rings, auroras too can be seen around the gigantic planet's poles. (NASA)

The James Webb Space Telescope is rapidly reaching new heights with each passing day. NASA's $10 billion telescope has been capturing breathtaking images of far-off galaxies, star clusters and more. Now, the telescope has achieved yet another feat. The James Webb Telescope has captured a stunning image of Jupiter with faint rings and auroras around the planet.

According to a NASA blog, Jupiter is going through a vast number of giant storms, powerful winds, and auroras right now, all of which can be seen in the amazing image captured by the JWST. This image will provide scientists a way to study the inner conditions on Jupiter.

“We hadn't really expected it to be this good, to be honest,” said planetary astronomer Imke de Pater, professor emerita of the University of California, Berkeley. “It's really remarkable that we can see details on Jupiter together with its rings, tiny satellites, and even galaxies in one image.”

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The James Webb Space Telescope does not directly capture images and send them to the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI). It sends the data to Earth which contains information about the brightness of light falling on the telescope's sensors. Citizen scientist Judy Schmidt of Modesto, California, is responsible for creating the stunning image of Jupiter using the data sent by the JWST.

The fact that Judy Schmidt does not possess any formal astronomical education makes these images even more special. Since taking part in the ESA's “Hubble Hidden Treasures” contest around 10 years ago, Schmidt's passion for astronomy has grown tenfold. “Something about it just stuck with me, and I can't stop,” she said. “I could spend hours and hours every day,” she said.

“I try to get it to look natural, even if it's not anything close to what your eye can see,” Schmidt further added.

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First Published Date: 23 Aug, 12:09 IST
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