The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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In this infrared image from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, Jupiter is shown with its moon Europa (left), as seen by the NIRCam instrument 2.12 micron filter. The short-wavelength filter shows distinct bands that encircle the planet.
The Great Red Spot appears white on the right. The iconic spot appears white in this image because of the way Webb’s infrared image was processed. The dark spot to the left of the Great Red Spot is Europa’s shadow cast on Jupiter.
Scientists were especially eager to see these commissioning images because they are proof that Webb can observe the satellites and rings near bright solar system objects such as Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars. Scientists will use Webb to explore the tantalizing question of whether we can see plumes of material spewing out of moons like Europa and Saturn’s moon Enceladus. Webb may be able to see the signatures of plumes depositing material on the surface on Europa.