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Bruce Murray Space Image Library

Jupiter lightning

Jupiter lightning
Jupiter lightning NASA's Juno spacecraft captured this image of a lightning bolt near the planet's north pole on Dec. 30, 2022. NASA showcased the image on June 15, 2023, ahead of Juno's upcoming low passes over the planet's night side, which will provide new opportunities for Juno's of science instruments to catch lightning in the act. On Earth, lightning bolts originate from water clouds, and happen most frequently near the equator, while on Jupiter lightning likely also occurs in clouds containing an ammonia-water solution, and can be seen most often near the poles. Image data: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS; Image processing: Kevin M. Gill