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NASA's Juno Unveils Dramatic Changes on Europa's Surface

High-resolution images from Juno reveal shifting ice and potential cryovolcanic activity on Jupiter's moon Europa, offering new insights for upcoming missions.

This black-and-white image of Europa’s surface was taken by the Stellar Reference Unit (SRU) aboard NASA’s Juno spacecraft during the Sept. 29, 2022, flyby. The chaos feature nicknamed “the Platypus” is seen in the lower right corner. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI
a partially shaded tan and brown planet scared with lines across its surface
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Overview

  • Juno's recent flyby of Europa captured high-resolution images showing significant geological changes.
  • Evidence of true polar wander suggests Europa's ice shell has shifted over its subsurface ocean.
  • Newly observed features, including the 'Platypus,' indicate possible cryovolcanic activity.
  • The images reveal potential plume activity and surface disruptions, hinting at subsurface liquid water.
  • These findings will guide future missions like NASA's Europa Clipper and ESA's Juice.