Fran Bagenal, University of Colorado

Topic: "Exploration of the Giant Magnetosphere of Jupiter"  (Video)

ABSTRACT: Jupiter is a planet of superlatives: the most massive planet in the solar system, rotates the fastest, has the strongest magnetic field, and has the most massive satellite system of any planet. These unique properties lead to volcanoes on Io and a population of energetic plasma trapped in the magnetic field that provides a physical link between the satellites, particularly Io, and the planet Jupiter. There are strong differences between the magnetospheres of Earth and Jupiter but there are also underlying basic physical principles that all magnetospheres share in common. This presentation provides a rough sketch of the magnetosphere of Jupiter based on previous space missions, briefly describes the current understanding and lists outstanding issues. We will also discuss how measurements to be made by NASA's Juno mission will address these issues.