Photos of Jupiter From NASA Spacecraft, Both Near and Far

🌌 NASA Space Images (by JPL)

This official app from JPL provides access to a rich astronomical catalog—perfect for immersive mobile viewing.


🔭 NASA App

This app updates in near-real-time with NASA mission content, including breathtaking views of Jupiter.


đŸȘ Spacecraft AR

  • Android (Google Play) – Uses AR to visualize spacecraft like Juno in your room. Includes mission imagery and context. Reuters+8Mission Juno+8Reddit+8
  • (iOS version not currently available)

đŸ“± Space Images (Standalone)

  • iOS – Optimized for iPad and iPhone, widget-compatible, lets you like/bookmark/share weekly imagery (Jupiter, Mars, etc.). Wikipedia+2Apple+2NASA+2

đŸ›°ïž JunoCam Community (Web-based mobile-friendly)

While not a downloadable app, the JunoCam website allows you to vote on image targets, process raw Juno spacecraft photos, and dive into atmospheric features. X (formerly Twitter)+2Mission Juno+2Axios+2


🔭 Stargazing & Orbital Watch Apps

These apps let you track Jupiter’s position, view its moons, and simulate its appearance from Earth:

  • Star Walk 2 (iOS & Android): AR sky map identifying Jupiter, its moons, and live sky events. Reddit+15Wikipedia+15Space+15
  • SkySafari 6 (iOS & Android): Shows accurate time-adjusted views (e.g., Great Red Spot transits) with light-travel time correction. Space+1Sky & Telescope+1
  • JupiterMoons (iOS only): Specialized app displaying real-time Jupiter and Galilean moons position with transit predictions. Space+1Sky & Telescope+1

🚀 Advanced Virtual Solar System Apps

  • NASA WorldWind (Android + Web): 3D globe exploration including Jupiter and its moons—great for scientific visualization. Wikipedia
  • WorldWide Telescope (Android + Windows): Interactive planetarium covering planetary bodies, including Jupiter and the four Galilean moons. Wikipedia
  • Celestia (Android + iOS): Real-time 3D space simulation to virtually fly around Jupiter and beyond. Wikipedia

🚀 Notable Progress in Orbital Watching & Imaging

  • JunoCam crowd-sourcing: Public-voted points of interest influence Juno spacecraft’s camera targets—melding citizen science with planetary imaging. NASA Science+7Axios+7Mission Juno+7
  • Close-up hits: Juno’s 61st flyby in May 2024 delivered detailed cloud-band photos that have captivated online communities (e.g., Reddit’s r/spaceporn). Reddit
  • Near vs Far contrast: Pioneer and Voyager missions provided far-out shots, while Juno’s polar passes offer dynamic, high-res visuals.

🔍 Which App Should You Choose?

GoalBest App(s)
Stunning curated photosSpace Images, NASA App
Planetarium + sky-trackingStar Walk 2, SkySafari, JupiterMoons
Interactive 3D space visualsWorldWind, WWT, Celestia
Participate in Jupiter imagingJunoCam website

✅ Final Takeaway

Whether you’re a casual stargazer or a citizen-science enthusiast, these apps bring NASA’s missions—and their magnificent Jupiter images—into your hands. Explore the universe, track planetary events, and even help decide what Juno snaps next—all from your phone or tablet.

Happy skywatching!

Sources

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