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Hubble telescope captures 'stunning' auroras in Jupiter's atmosphere

The Hubble Space Telescope has successfully captured 'stunning' auroras in the atmosphere of Jupi...
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Newstalk

10.43 2 Jul 2016


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Hubble telescope captures &...

Hubble telescope captures 'stunning' auroras in Jupiter's atmosphere

Newstalk
Newstalk

10.43 2 Jul 2016


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The Hubble Space Telescope has successfully captured 'stunning' auroras in the atmosphere of Jupiter.

Astronomers were able to observe the light display using the NASA / ESA telescope's ultraviolet capabilities.

NASA says an aurora is created when 'high-energy particles enter a planet’s atmosphere near its magnetic poles and collide with atoms of gas'.

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The Jupiter auroras are said to be "hundreds of times more energetic" than the ones we see in Earth's atmosphere.

Meanwhile, NASA's Juno spacecraft will be entering Jupiter's orbit this month to measure solar winds.

Jonathan Nichols from the University of Leicester said: “These auroras are very dramatic and among the most active I have ever seen. It almost seems as if Jupiter is throwing a firework party for the imminent arrival of Juno.”

You can see the full photo below:

Image: NASA, ESA, and J. Nichols (University of Leicester)

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