New data on radiation show missions to Jupiter's moon Europa are possible
NASA's Juno mission has created a 3D radiation map of Jupiter, revealing higher radiation levels near Europa, which will aid future mission planning and enhance understanding of Jovian moon interactions.
Read original article
NASA's Juno mission has produced the first comprehensive 3D radiation map of the Jupiter system, revealing critical insights into the radiation environment near Europa, one of Jupiter's moons. This map was created using data from Juno's Advanced Stellar Compass (ASC) and Stellar Reference Unit (SRU), which were originally designed for navigation but have been repurposed to detect high-energy particles. The findings indicate that the radiation levels near Europa are higher than previously understood, particularly on the moon's leading side, where high-energy electrons collide due to Jupiter's magnetic field dynamics. This detailed mapping is significant for planning future missions to Europa and other Jovian moons, as it enhances the understanding of the radiation risks involved. The Juno team has also noted that the radiation environment affects the small moons that orbit close to Jupiter's rings, providing further insights into the complex interactions within the Jovian system. The results are currently undergoing peer review and will be published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.
- Juno's radiation map reveals higher radiation levels near Europa than previously thought.
- The data was collected using navigation instruments repurposed for radiation detection.
- The findings will aid in planning future missions to the Jovian system.
- The radiation environment also impacts small moons near Jupiter's rings.
- The results are set to be published in Geophysical Research Letters.
Related
Hydrothermal vents on seafloors of 'ocean worlds' could support life
A study led by UC Santa Cruz researchers suggests lower-temperature hydrothermal vents on ocean worlds like Europa could support life. Computer simulations show sustained circulation for millions of years, aiding fluid systems' longevity. NASA and NSF funded the study.
NASA's $5B Europa Clipper mission may not be able to handle Jupiter's radiation
NASA's Europa Clipper mission faces transistor radiation issues jeopardizing its Jupiter mission. Testing and mitigation efforts are ongoing to ensure mission success despite the critical problem discovered before liftoff.
James Webb detects rare 'super-Jupiter' planet
Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope discovered a super-Jupiter planet orbiting Epsilon Indi A, enhancing understanding of gas giants and their environments, though it is unlikely to support life.
The invisible problem with sending people to Mars
Sending humans to Mars involves significant health risks from space radiation, which can exceed NASA's limits. The interaction with microgravity complicates safety, necessitating careful consideration of risks versus exploration benefits.
Juice rerouted to Venus in first lunar-Earth flyby
ESA's Juice spacecraft completed a lunar-Earth flyby, redirecting towards Venus, saving fuel, and enhancing mission capabilities. It aims to study Jupiter's moons, arriving in July 2031, with data publication forthcoming.
1 comments"Very energetic electrons that penetrate its shielding leave a telltale signature in our images that looks like the trail of a firefly. The instrument is programmed to count the number of these fireflies, giving us an accurate calculation of the amount of radiation," says Jørgensen.
Reminds me of the method of using a cellphone camera covered with e-tape to measure radiation:
Related
Hydrothermal vents on seafloors of 'ocean worlds' could support life
A study led by UC Santa Cruz researchers suggests lower-temperature hydrothermal vents on ocean worlds like Europa could support life. Computer simulations show sustained circulation for millions of years, aiding fluid systems' longevity. NASA and NSF funded the study.
NASA's $5B Europa Clipper mission may not be able to handle Jupiter's radiation
NASA's Europa Clipper mission faces transistor radiation issues jeopardizing its Jupiter mission. Testing and mitigation efforts are ongoing to ensure mission success despite the critical problem discovered before liftoff.
James Webb detects rare 'super-Jupiter' planet
Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope discovered a super-Jupiter planet orbiting Epsilon Indi A, enhancing understanding of gas giants and their environments, though it is unlikely to support life.
The invisible problem with sending people to Mars
Sending humans to Mars involves significant health risks from space radiation, which can exceed NASA's limits. The interaction with microgravity complicates safety, necessitating careful consideration of risks versus exploration benefits.
Juice rerouted to Venus in first lunar-Earth flyby
ESA's Juice spacecraft completed a lunar-Earth flyby, redirecting towards Venus, saving fuel, and enhancing mission capabilities. It aims to study Jupiter's moons, arriving in July 2031, with data publication forthcoming.