According to new measurements, the equatorial radius of the planet 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.
Previously, the sizes of Jupiter were determined based on data collected by the American probes Pioneer and Voyager, which were launched in the 1970s. However, the new study took into account not only more accurate measurements but also the influence of strong winds in the planet's atmosphere, which had not been considered before.
The Juno spacecraft was launched in 2011 and reached Jupiter's orbit in 2016. The mission, dedicated to studying the origin, evolution, internal structure, and magnetosphere of Jupiter, was completed in 2021. Following that, an extended research program began, covering the entire Jupiter system, and in November 2024, the probe will be able to approach the planet's poles for the first time to take photographs.
