The colors in these images don’t match what the human eye would see when observing Jupiter. After all, our vision does not pick up infrared radiation. But the image processors for these stunning shots — citizen scientist Judy Schmidt and Ricardo Hueso of the University of the Basque Country in Spain — mapped longer infrared wavelengths to the red end of the visible spectrum and shorter wavelengths toward the blue, mimicking how the human eye perceives visible light. In the close-up image of Jupiter's disk, the researchers mapped wavelengths of 3.6 micrometers to red-orange, 2.12 micrometers to yellow-green, and 1.5 micrometers to cyan. In the wide-field view showing the world's surroundings, they mapped wavelengths of 3.35 micrometers to cyan and 2.12 micrometers to orange.
Images are just one aspect of JWST’s observing prowess; the telescope’s spectroscopic capabilities are also being brought to bear on Jupiter. On July 27, astronomers took spectra of the Great Red Spot at near-infrared wavelengths, and they carried out similar observations in the mid-infrared Aug. 14 and 15. Jupiter’s aurorae, on the other hand, will come under closer spectroscopic scrutiny later this year.
JWST scientists have high hopes for what the next-gen space telescope can teach them about the jovian system. Researchers plan to analyze the world's cloud layers, composition, temperature, winds, and auroral activity. Astronomers also wish to better understand the structure of Jupiter's ring system, providing insight into where it originates and how it will evolve. And finally, planetary scientists expect to create maps of the surface and atmosphere of both the volcanically active moon Io and the icy moon Ganymede. These satellite observations will also search for plumes of volcanic gases (Io) and water vapor (Ganymede).
It’s an ambitious undertaking, but if JWST's initial observations prove anything, it’s that the telescope should be up to the task.