NASA's Juno spacecraft made a stunning flyby of Jupiter's volcanic moon Io on December 30, 2023, capturing breathtaking imagery that sheds new light on the moon's surface. The JunoCam instrument snapped this remarkable picture from an altitude of approximately 930 miles (1,500 kilometers) above Io, revealing the night side of the moon in unparalleled detail.
As Io's dark side was bathed in "Jupitershine," the sunlight reflected off Jupiter's surface illuminated its volcanic terrain. This striking phenomenon showcases the unique dynamics at play between the two celestial bodies. The image is a testament to the Juno spacecraft's advanced capabilities and provides scientists with a wealth of data for further study.
The NASA Science Image of the Month for October 2025 features this remarkable image, which will be shared across various platforms and online resources. Fans of space exploration can now download desktop wallpapers and engage with educational content related to Io and its fascinating volcanic landscape. The high-resolution image, processed by Emma Wälimäki, has been made available under a Creative Commons license for further use and analysis.
As Io's dark side was bathed in "Jupitershine," the sunlight reflected off Jupiter's surface illuminated its volcanic terrain. This striking phenomenon showcases the unique dynamics at play between the two celestial bodies. The image is a testament to the Juno spacecraft's advanced capabilities and provides scientists with a wealth of data for further study.
The NASA Science Image of the Month for October 2025 features this remarkable image, which will be shared across various platforms and online resources. Fans of space exploration can now download desktop wallpapers and engage with educational content related to Io and its fascinating volcanic landscape. The high-resolution image, processed by Emma Wälimäki, has been made available under a Creative Commons license for further use and analysis.