Jupiter's moon Ganymede, the largest moon in the solar system, casts a large shadow on the gas giant as it passes between the planet and the Sun. Eclipses occur more frequently on Jupiter because it has four large moons and many smaller moons that frequently pass between the Sun and the planet. In one week, Ganymede transits once, Europa twice and Io four times. Our JunoMission captured this image as it rose 44,000 miles (71,000 km) above Jupiter's clouds - 15 times closer than Ganymede.

There are four types of solar eclipses: total solar eclipses occur when a moon passes between the Sun and a planet, completely covering the face of the Sun. Annular solar eclipses occur at the farthest point where the Moon passes between the Sun and a planet but does not completely cover the Sun's surface. Hybrid solar eclipses occur when the eclipse alternates between an annular and total eclipse as the shadow moves across the Earth. Partial solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Sun and a planet but only part of the Sun is covered.

Two eclipses will occur on Earth in the next few months, one annular and one total. The annular eclipse will occur on 14 October 2023 and will be visible in the United States, Mexico and Central and South America (with sun-safe glasses!). The total eclipse will occur on 8 April 2024 and will be visible in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Image description:

Juno's image is split in two, showing a large black spot shadowing Jupiter on the left side of the image. The surface of the gas giant appears in bands of tan, white and blue, with large storms surrounding and flowing across the largest planet in our solar system.

Also the name of Ganymedes comes from mythology, click here to find out who he is.

Click here for Europa.