According to new data, the equatorial radius of the giant planet is 71,488 km, which is 8 km less than previous estimates. The polar radius, in turn, is 69,886 km, which is 24 km less than previously thought.
Previously, the sizes of Jupiter were estimated based on data obtained from the Pioneer and Voyager space probes launched in the 1970s. However, recent studies took into account not only more accurate measurements but also the influence of strong winds in the planet's atmosphere, which were ignored in older calculations.
The Juno spacecraft was launched in 2011 and reached Jupiter's orbit in 2016. The initial mission, dedicated to studying the origin, evolution, and internal structure of the planet, concluded in 2021. After its completion, a new program began, covering the entire Jupiter system. In November 2024, the spacecraft captured images of the planet's poles for the first time.
