NASA's Juno Spacecraft Sends Back First Image Of Jupiter, Moons
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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) -- NASA's Juno Spacecraft has sent back its first image of Jupiter from orbit.
The image shows the giant planet surrounded by three of its four largest moons. The picture was taken on Saturday when the Juno spacecraft was circling 3 million miles away. Even at that distance, Jupiter's Great Red Spot — a centuries-old atmospheric storm — was visible.
Juno successfully began orbiting Jupiter on Independence Day after a five-year journey. It's on a 20-month mission to map the giant planet's poles, atmosphere and interior.
During the approach, the camera and instruments were powered off as a precaution as Juno braved intense radiation. The instruments were turned back on several days after the arrival.
Scientists have said close-ups of Jupiter won't come until next month when Juno swings back around.
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