On December 30, 2023, NASA’s Juno spacecraft, which is currently studying Jupiter and its moons, made a groundbreaking observation using its Stellar Reference Unit (SRU). The SRU captured a detailed image of a unique, elongated thermal emission feature, measuring about 40 miles (65 kilometers) in length.
This curvy feature and a shorter linear emission segment near the west of South Zal Mons represent an unprecedented discovery. The high resolution of the observation, with a clarity of 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) per pixel, allows scientists to study this feature in remarkable detail.
Based on its shape and characteristics, this 40-mile-long (65-kilometer-long) curving “hot spot” is suspected to be an active lava channel. The feature’s morphology closely resembles previously identified lava channels on Io, which are known to be associated with the moon’s intense volcanic activity.
One of the previously identified lava channels, located near Hi’iaka Montes, was compared to the new SRU feature in an image taken by Juno. The comparison revealed striking similarities in the shape and thermal signature.
In addition, Juno’s infrared camera, JIRAM, had earlier captured a long thermal emission “hot spot” at the same location in May 2023. While the resolution of this earlier observation was lower (about 19 miles or 30 kilometers per pixel), it nonetheless confirmed the presence of unusual heat in the region.