Big Collisions

Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, periodically gets walloped by comets or asteroids, producing massive explosions. The most recent was seen in late 2023. This image, from 2009, shows the aftermatth of an impact as a bright white spot near the bottom. Recorded in infrared light, it shows the heat generated by the blast. By pulling in these bodies, Jupiter may help protect Earth and the other inner planets from similar collisions. [NASA/JPL/Infrared Telescope Facility]