The Latest Photos of Jupiter From Hubble Are Absolutely Stunning

Jupiter is the fifth closest planet to the Sun, and the largest in our solar system. Striking in its look, the surface looks like rings of sedimentary rock. Mankind has slowly learned more about the planet and its moons since a number of missions in the last several decades have taken a close look at both the planet, and its satellites. But recently, scientists were able to capture photos from the Juno mission to Jupiter that are absolutely astounding. As we slowly uncover more and more about the planet and its past, hopefully one day we might figure out exactly what that Great Red Spot is.

1
Juno's Amazing Flyby

The Juno Spacecraft was launched in 2011, and entered Jupiter's orbit in 2016. It has been spinning around the planet since, taking a number of different measurements and pictures, giving scientists glimpses at the planet they haven't seen ever. This storm for example is an odd spot on the planet's surface, with the storm going down deep into the atmosphere.

Via Space Photos Of The Week Spying on Jupiter | Wired
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2
Jupiter Has Rings?

We didn't know this either, and most people don't. Jupiter actually has rings, though they are extremely faint and impossible to see from earth. However, from the right vantage point, Juno was able to capture a rare look at the rings of Jupiter.

Via Space Photos Of the Week Spying on Jupiter | Wired
3
New Features From Close Up

Strange storms and planetary rings aren't the only amazing things Juno found while it orbited Jupiter. Getting closer than any craft before it, Juno clearly captured Jupiter's turbulent atmosphere, but also some very interesting features, like the white clouds in the right side of the image, which scientists didn't know existed on Jupiter before seeing them in the images.

Via Space Photos of the Week Spying on Jupiter | Wired
4
50 Shades of Storms

This storm had never been seen before, and what's more interesting is the stark contrast between the brown storm (called "Jet N6") and the different patterns of turbulence that can be seen around it in very different hues of blue and white.

Via Space Photos Of the Week Spying On Jupiter | Wired
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5
The Great Red Spot

Possibly the most recognizable feature of Jupiter, this massive storm has been churning around the planet for more than 300 years. It was described possibly as early as the late 17th century, but was confirmed being seen in 1830, and has been observed to this day.
Recently, scientists have realized the storm is actually weakening, though it is far from being finished. If you put the entire earth compared to the storm, it would fit the entire planet within itself and still be bigger. That's one heck of a storm.

Via Space Photos of the Week: Jupiter Is a Storm-Eat-Storm World | Wired
6
Does Jupiter Have a Face?

Its a bit avant garde, but if you look closely under the 'Great Red Spot', youll see what appears to be two luminous white eyes and a mouth. Now it is undetermined if Juno has been talking to the planet since it got there, but it looks like maybe the planet is talking back.... Or its just two small anti-cyclonic storms spinning along one of many of Jupiter's bands of wind.

Via Hubble Has Taken a Glorious New Photo Of Jupiter | Science Alert