As we speak within the historical past of astronomy, a hoop is discovered round a fuel big – and it’s not Saturn.
The band of sunshine at middle on this picture is the primary photographic proof of Jupiter’s rings. As a result of Voyager 1 was transferring and the picture’s publicity was over 11 minutes, the background stars seem as zigzaggy streaks. Credit score: NASA/JPL
A yr and a half right into a historic journey that continues right now, Voyager 1 was exploring Jupiter. The probe had begun learning the jovian system in April 1978, and by March 4, 1979, was nearing its closest strategy to the planet. Among the many many pictures taken through the flyby was a single focused picture with an publicity of 11 minutes and 12 seconds. Researchers deliberate this picture to analyze radiation phenomenon recorded beforehand by Pioneer 10 and 11 that had advised strong matter close to the planet’s equator. The ensuing picture revealed our first view of one among Jupiter’s rings – options so skinny and faint that they had by no means been seen from Earth.
