New measurements have shown that Jupiter's equatorial radius is 71,488 km, which is 8 km less than previous estimates, while the polar radius is 69,886 km, which is 24 km less. These results differ from earlier calculations based on data collected by the American spacecraft Pioneer and Voyager, launched in the 1970s.
The study also takes into account the influence of strong atmospheric winds on the planet, which was not considered in previous analyses.
The launch of Juno took place in 2011, and the spacecraft entered Jupiter's orbit in 2016. The mission, dedicated to studying the origin, evolution, internal structure, and magnetosphere of Jupiter, concluded in 2021. After that, a new phase of research began, covering the entire Jupiter system. In November 2024, the probe approached the planet's poles for the first time and captured unique images.
