Jupiter in High Resolution

For the first time in years we can see the Jovian system up close.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007 12:01

These two images were taken when the New Horizons probe was at its closest approach to Jupiter just over a month ago. The craft was 2.3 million kilometers away from Jupiter before continuing on its journey to Pluto, which it will reach in 2015.

This is the first time in years that scientists have been able to study the Jovian system up close. The false colour images show details in Jupiter's atmosphere using infrared sensors. Bluish colours indicate high clouds and reddish colours indicate lower clouds. This shows that Jupiter's 'Great Red Spot' extends far up into the atmosphere.

The New Horizons craft also carries some interesting things. Among them is a payload of 430,000 names on a CD, and the ashes of Pluto discoverer Clyde Tombaugh.

:: New Horizons Web Site
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News from Space is a short factual tidbit dealing with the latest information from space and Earth-based telescopes and satellites, as well as the occasional happening at NASA, the CSA, or some of the world's other space agencies. Check out cool images from the Hubble, the Spitzer, the Chandra, or from the many great observatories around the planet. 
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