This image may not be used to state or imply the endorsement by NRAO, AUI or NSF of any company or product False colour radio image of Jupiter and its

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This image may not be used to state or imply the endorsement by NRAO, AUI or NSF of any company or product False colour radio image of Jupiter and its radiation belts at a wavelength of 21 cm, taken by the Very Large Array (VLA) radio telescope, New Mexico. Jupiter has a strong magnetic field which traps fast moving electrons in belts similar to the Earth's Van Allen radiation belts. These electrons radiate radio waves producing the large extended features seen around Jupiter's disc. The electrons are not energetic enough to emit light in the visible spectrum so the belts cannot be seen on optical photographs. The gas in Jupiter's atmosphere also produces radio emission. Observer; Imke de Pater. Taken May 81 using B-configuration , 27antennae. This picture may not be used to state or imply the endorsement by NRAO, AUI or NSF of any company or product.

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Size: 4541px × 3130px
Photo credit: © NRAO/AUI/NSF/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: allen, astronomy, belts, cosmology, image, imagery, jupiter, planet, planetary, radiation, radio, science, van, vla