Juno Captures Lightning Bolts Above the North Pole of Jupiter

NASA’s Juno mission has captured an image of a lightning bolt in a vortex near Jupiter’s north pole, shedding light on the atmospheric phenomena of the largest planet in our solar system. Jupiter’s lightning is generated by clouds comprising an ammonia-water solution, with a majority of these electrical storms happening near its poles. Juno will continue to orbit closer to Jupiter in the upcoming months, flying over the planet’s night side, providing opportunities for the spacecraft’s suite of science instruments to capture additional lightning displays. Observing lightning on Jupiter can give important insights into the atmospheric conditions that are conducive to these electric discharges, such as the degree of turbulence, the distribution of water and ammonia, and the thermal structure of the planet’s atmosphere. NASA’s Juno mission has been exploring Jupiter since 2016, providing invaluable data on the gas giant’s magnetic field, gravity, and atmospheric dynamics.