Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos. Each day we feature a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

Today's Picture: June 25, 1995

Jupiter from Voyager
Picture Credit: NASA, JPL, NSSDC, Voyager

Explanation: Imagine a hurricane that lasted for 300 years! This picture of the planet Jupiter was taken by the Voyager 1 spacecraft as it passed the planet in 1979. Jupiter, a gas giant planet with no solid surface, is the largest planet in the solar system and is made mostly of the hydrogen and helium. Clearly visible in the photo is the Great Red Spot, a giant, hurricane-like storm system that rotates with the clouds of Jupiter. It is so large three complete Earths could fit inside it. Astronomers have observed this giant storm on Jupiter for over 300 years.

For more information see NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory release.