Magnetometer (Juno)

The Juno spacecraft carries a suite of instruments designed to study Jupiter's magnetosphere and its origins. A key instrument within this suite is the magnetometer, formally known as the Flux-Gate Magnetometer (FGM). This instrument is crucial for mapping Jupiter's magnetic field with unprecedented accuracy and detail.

The primary objective of the FGM on Juno is to precisely measure the strength and direction of Jupiter's magnetic field at various locations throughout its orbit. These measurements contribute to understanding the dynamo processes within Jupiter that generate this powerful magnetic field. The magnetometer consists of two sensor units mounted on a boom extending from the spacecraft, strategically placed to minimize interference from the spacecraft's own magnetic fields.

The data acquired by the magnetometer helps scientists to model the structure of Jupiter's magnetosphere, including its complex interactions with the solar wind and the plasma originating from Jupiter's moon, Io. Analyzing the magnetic field variations also helps to determine the internal structure of Jupiter, providing insights into the composition and dynamics of its interior. By comparing Juno's magnetic field measurements with those from previous missions, scientists gain a better understanding of how Jupiter's magnetic field evolves over time. The magnetometer plays a vital role in uncovering the mysteries surrounding Jupiter's magnetic field and its influence on the Jovian system.