Juno Captures Ganymede’s Magnetic Field ‘Sounds’
While moons might seem silent compared to their planets, NASA’s Juno mission has revealed otherwise. Principal investigator Scott Bolton has produced an audio recording of magnetic field activity around Jupiter’s moon, Ganymede. This recording stems from data collected during Juno’s flyby on June 7th, 2021.
A 50-second section of the recording shows a significant change in the probe’s activity. This dramatic shift may be due to Juno transitioning between Ganymede’s night and day sides.
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Creating the Soundscape
The audio was created by converting electric and magnetic frequencies into the audible range. While Jupiter’s powerful magnetosphere dominates the recording, Ganymede stands out. As the only moon in our solar system with its own magnetic field (likely from a liquid iron core), this audio offers a unique perspective.
Further Discoveries from the Juno Mission
The Juno mission provided more than just the Ganymede sounds. The team also unveiled the most detailed map of Jupiter’s magnetic field to date. Data analysis revealed the orbital periods of the Great Red Spot (approximately 4.5 years) and the equatorial Great Blue Spot (around 350 years). The findings also indicated that east-west jetstreams are disrupting the Great Blue Spot, and that polar cyclones exhibit behavior similar to Earth’s ocean vortices.
Interpreting Ganymede’s Sounds
It’s important to note that if a person visited Ganymede, they would not hear these sounds. Instead, this recording demonstrates that even seemingly inactive celestial bodies often display detectable activity with appropriate technology. The significance of these findings depends on individual interpretation.
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