Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Juno’s images show Jupiter’s clouds and enormous polar vortices, but a camera view is not a direct picture of a storm’s full depth. The visible-light JunoCam records reflected sunlight; other instruments measure infrared and microwave signals that reveal different aspects of the atmosphere. Observation date, viewing geometry, and image processing all matter when interpreting what a dramatic Jupiter image shows.
What are the swirling storms on Jupiter?
They are vortices: rotating weather systems whose cloud patterns can form enormous spirals. NASA describes Jupiter’s north-polar vortices as “hurricane-like spiral wind patterns.” The comparison is about their swirling form, not a claim that they are Earth hurricanes; Jupiter’s atmosphere and storm systems are different.
Jupiter has both cyclones and anticyclones. They rotate in opposite directions, and which direction corresponds to each type depends on the hemisphere. Their visible cloud patterns help scientists identify and classify the vortices, but a photograph alone does not establish how far a storm extends below the clouds.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What JunoCam shows—and what it does not
Visible-light views of cloud tops
JunoCam is Juno’s visible-light camera. It records sunlight reflected by Jupiter’s clouds, giving the detailed color views that reveal cloud bands, swirls, and polar features. NASA’s mission has also invited the public to help choose image targets and process and analyze raw JunoCam data. Some published views are processed by named citizen scientists, so the caption’s credit is part of the image’s provenance.
#1 Best Overall
- Jupiter in Motion — Powered by Light - This MOVA Globe brings the gas giant to life with solar-powered rotation and mesmerizing swirls, including the iconic Great Red Spot. A hands-free marvel for any science lover or stargazer.
- High-Detail NASA Imagery - Based on satellite data, the design captures Jupiter’s signature bands, storms, and atmospheric depth with rich browns, golds, and pale aqua tones.
- Seamless Movement with Zero Setup - No cords or batteries—just ambient light. The globe spins silently within a clear acrylic shell, floating on a frictionless bed of fluid.
- Compact and Striking for Any Space - At 4.5 inches in diameter and 7 inches tall on its base, it fits effortlessly on desks, bookshelves, nightstands, or science classroom displays.
- A Gift with Universal Appeal - Ideal for educators, space geeks, decor minimalists, and kids obsessed with planets. It’s a quiet showstopper that brings the solar system to your fingertips.
Other instruments probe different properties
Juno’s infrared and microwave measurements provide evidence about atmospheric properties and regions that visible-light imagery cannot show directly. The instruments answer different questions: JunoCam depicts reflected visible light, while infrared and microwave observations add information about the atmosphere beyond the camera’s color patterns. A color-enhanced image can make structures easier to see, but it remains processed imagery rather than an unprocessed view or a direct map of a storm’s subsurface structure.
Three Juno observations, with their dates and context
North-polar vortex view: July 5, 2022
NASA says a JunoCam view of the north-polar vortex was captured during Juno’s 43rd close flyby on July 5, 2022, when the spacecraft was about 25,100 kilometers above the cloud tops. NASA describes the north-polar vortices as over 50 kilometers high and hundreds of miles across. Those dimensions describe the storms, not the spacecraft’s altitude.
Rank #2
- BUILD & DISPLAY A MOVING, GLOWING SOLAR SYSTEM – With this kit, kids can customize all 8 planets and the sun, creating a stunning 3D solar system model that glows in the dark! It’s an awesome addition to any space-themed room.
- ALL-INCLUSIVE KIT – Everything needed to build a glowing solar system is included: 6 vibrant paint colors, glow-in-the-dark accent paint, brush, palette, fun decals, and a poster with solar system facts! Kid-friendly instructions make assembly easy!
- MOVABLE ARMS FOR EASY ADJUSTMENTS – Adjust the position of the planets with ease! The model’s movable arms allow kids to set up and rearrange their solar system display to match their imagination.
- LEARN HANDS-ON FUN FACTS ABOUT OUR SOLAR SYSTEM – Dive into the wonders of space with this engaging model kit! Kids will learn fascinating facts about each planet as they build and explore their own glow-in-the-dark solar system.
- AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTS - Blue Marble, winner of the Toy Association's prestigious Toy of the Year Award, proudly develops products that foster education, imagination, and creativity, with a U.S. support team to ensure a stellar experience!
Great Red Spot: image from July 10, 2017
The JunoCam frame of the Great Red Spot was taken on July 10, 2017, during Juno’s seventh close flyby, at about 13,840 kilometers above the cloud tops. Citizen scientist Andrea Luck processed the image. NASA later reported that Juno instrument measurements constrain the Great Red Spot’s depth to about 500 kilometers below the cloud tops. That depth comes from instrument data, not from something visible in the photograph.
Recommended Free Tools
A new member of the south-polar grouping: November 3, 2019
Juno observed a new cyclone joining five existing south-polar cyclones around a central cyclone. NASA reported that JunoCam showed the new storm in a hexagonal grouping and that JIRAM data gave it an average wind speed of 362 kilometers per hour. That is a dated measurement for that cyclone, not a general wind speed for Jupiter’s storms.
Rank #3
- Science Kits for Kids 8-12: Complete model solar system for kids includes wood set, puzzle, and fun fact cards. This two part DIY solar system kit allows kids to build a cool model, paint, and learn about the major 9 planets. Designed for 8 & up.
- Science Fairs & More: Bring the planets to life with our Nine Planets kit. Makes the perfect realistic solar system model for elementary school science fairs & more. Proudly display in a bedroom, science fair, or classroom. For girls and & boys.
- Planetary Enlightenment: Foster a love for learning with our solar system project, an engaging educational science kit that makes complex concepts easy to understand and enjoyable for young minds. Includes fact cards for quick and accurate solar system information.
- Planetary Delight: Unleash creativity and curiosity with our solar system project kit . Children will delight in their exploration of the universe while having fun accomplishing this all in one kit. We offer the perfect science kits for kids age 8-12.
- Craft & Learn: Everything you need to build the wood model, paint the major planets, and build the puzzle. Includes The Sun, Mercury, Earth, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Mars, Saturn, and Neptune. Includes paint and brushes. Build the model in approximately 1-2 hours.
Why a Jupiter image’s processing and geometry matter
A published image can be processed to bring out contrast or color in the camera data, and a composite can combine observations made at different times. For example, NASA’s south-pole composite combines images from three separate orbits in enhanced color and stereographic projection; it is not one instantaneous camera exposure. A close-flyby frame and a polar composite therefore do not represent the same kind of observation.
When interpreting or sharing a Juno image, check:
- Instrument: Is it JunoCam visible-light imagery, or a measurement from an infrared or microwave instrument?
- Date and flyby: When was the data captured, and does the caption identify the close flyby?
- Viewing geometry: What was the spacecraft’s position or altitude, if stated? Is the view local detail or a composite?
- Image credit: Does NASA name a citizen scientist who processed the image?
- Claim being made: Is a feature visible in the image, or does the claim depend on measurements from another instrument?
How the public can help classify Jupiter’s vortices
NASA’s Jovian Vortex Hunter project lets participants classify vortex features in Jupiter images. NASA reported that, as of July 2022, 2,404 volunteers had made 376,725 classifications. Those figures are a historical count from that date, not current totals.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 🌞【Beautiful Ornaments for Jupiter Planet Lovers】：The inside of crystal ball is engraved with 3D Jupiter Planet patterns. It is not only a night light but also a very beautiful Jupiter Planet Gifts forJupiter Planet Lovers.
- 🌞【Quality 2.36Inch Larger Crystal and Exquisite Crafts 】- The Jupiter Planet crystal ball is made of high-quality K9 crystal materials, and the interior images are carved by advanced 3D laser engraving technology
- 🌞【Amazing 6 Changes】Our Jupiter Planet Lamp have 6colors.
- 🌞【Package Include】1x 2.4inch Jupiter Planet Crystal Ball , 1x color Base，1x Beautiful Gift Box
- 🌞【Perfect Gifts】- The Jupiter Planet night light would be a great gift for kids, friends & fans on birthday and festivals. Besides, it can be a nice desk decor lamp for the living room, bedroom, bar, office, party etc.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
