Question

Study this brochure from NASA, which explains in more detail the instruments carried by the Juno spacecraft.

Which scientific activities will Juno conduct on its trip to Jupiter? Check all that apply.

measuring the amount of water in Jupiter’s atmosphere
landing on the planet surface to collect rock samples
taking images of the planet using infrared cameras
taking chemical “fingerprints” of Jupiter’s gases
mapping Jupiter’s gravitational and magnetic field
transporting astronauts to the planet

Answer 1

Correct choices:

- measuring the amount of water in Jupiter’s atmosphere — yes (Juno’s Microwave Radiometer measures deep atmospheric water/ammonia).
- taking images of the planet using infrared cameras — yes (the JIRAM instrument makes infrared observations).
- taking chemical “fingerprints” of Jupiter’s gases — yes (spectral instruments/particle detectors identify composition).
- mapping Jupiter’s gravitational and magnetic field — yes (Gravity Science experiments and the MAG magnetometer).

Not applicable:

- landing on the planet surface to collect rock samples — no (Juno is an orbital flyby/probe of a gas giant, not a lander).
- transporting astronauts to the planet — no (unmanned robotic spacecraft).