NASA’s Juno spacecraft completed its closest ever flyby of Jupiter's iconic Great Red Spot, capturing some stunning images in the process.
A number of the images have now been sent back to Earth for all to enjoy, detailing the gas giant’s ‘Great Red Spot’ – a gigantic high-pressure zone twice the size of Earth.
Scientists say the spot, monitored since 1830, is a massive swirling storm, possibly hammering the solar system's biggest planet for over 350 years.
"For generations people from all over the world and all walks of life have marveled over the Great Red Spot," said Scott Bolton, principal investigator of Juno from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. "Now we are finally going to see what this storm looks like up close and personal."
It was the sixth time Juno has flown close to Jupiter, which it does once every 53 days, which helps scientists see what exactly may be occurring on the planet.
The space agency has also encouraged people to download the images and process their own creations, which some have already done, resulting in some mesmerizing creations.
Juno was launched in August 2011 and entered Jupiter’s orbit on July 4, 2016. It has been collecting data and information since.
Juno's next close flyby will occur on September 1.