HST-Juno synergistic approach of Jupiter's magnetosphere and ultraviolet auroras

Jupiter's system is not only fundamental to our understanding of the solar system but also of planetary systems around other stars as well as more distant astrophysical bodies, not accessible to a detailed investigation. Fully exploiting any rare opportunity to explore the Jovian system through synergistic observations is thus critical, as it will impact significantly across wider astronomical studies. Such an exceptional opportunity will occur in Cycle 24, when the NASA Juno spacecraft will achieve its prime mission around Jupiter. Since Juno will literally fly through the auroral acceleration regions, the combination of HST auroral observations with Juno in situ measurements will allow us to finally unravel the origins and consequences of Jupiter's powerful and highly variable ultraviolet auroras. This occasion has never occurred before and is unlikely to ever repeat.
Juno will address key scientific issues related to unexplored regions of the Jovian magnetosphere. The auroral signatures associated with these magnetospheric processes will be precisely observed with STIS and COS. This program responds to the UV initiative and is only possible during Cycle 24. Indeed, HST is the only observatory capable of making these high spatial and temporal resolution FUV observations during the Juno mission. This ambitious campaign will yield high-impact results and significantly augment the science return of the NASA Juno mission.