Nasa image of Jupiter shows planet in unprecedented detail
Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The photograph, taken by the Hubble Space Telescope, views the gas giant at “opposition” – in a position directly opposite the Sun and the Earth. At this point, the planet’s colourful atmosphere was on full display, since it was at its closest point to the Earth, around 415 million miles away. The proximity of the planet on 3 April allowed a team led by Amy Simon from Nasa’s Goddard Space Flight Centre in Maryland to capture details in Jupiter’s atmosphere as small as around 80 miles wide. The space agency timed the Hubble observation to coincide with when its Juno probe would be near its closest point to Jupiter, so scientists could get concurrent pictures.
Rare picture shows Jupiter surrounded by mysterious lumps invisible to telescopes
Discover Related
10 breathtaking astronomical images captured by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope
US Naval officer makes stunning discovery using Hubble telescope
7 beautiful images of universe captured by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope
NASA’s Webb telescope seemingly confirms controversial theory on planet formation
5 breathtaking NASA Hubble images unveiling wonders of the universe
James Webb Telescope confirms what Hubble revealed about the birth of planets
5 spectacular images of asteroids and comets from NASA’s retired NEOWISE mission
Jupiter to be visible as bright star tonight as it makes its closest approach to Earth
New spots discovered on Jupiter's poles can fit Earth inside them
This is the clearest and closest picture of the Sun ever taken
Remembering Edwin Hubble, the visionary who revealed other galaxies exist
Telescope reveals first piece of huge space map to uncover secrets of the universe
Fireflies on Jupiter: Juno makes first radiation map of Solar System giant
Juno captures hundreds of cyclonic storms raging on Jupiter for decades
NASA images: 6 astonishing photos offering glimpse of the wonders of Universe
US space agency NASA releases Webb telescope photos of entwined galaxies
NASA images: From Nebulas to Galaxies, THESE 7 photos will blow your mind
Massive cradle of baby stars revealed in new space telescope images
Private mission to save the Hubble Space Telescope raises concerns, NASA emails show
A sharp mountain and a lava lake: Jupiter's moon hides mega features
NASA shares stunning photo of Jupiter’s hellish moon Io, snapped by Juno mission spacecraft
NASA Hubble Telescope captures shimmery Twin Jet Nebula. Stunning picture goes viral
NASA shares pic of dwarf galaxy undergoing a ‘highly energetic’ event
NASA shares mesmerising pictures of a ‘galactic romance’
Only a true space enthusiast can solve this brain teaser by NASA. Are you one?
Hubble telescope discovers alien planet with water outside Solar System