Just in time for the close of American Independence Day and after traveling for five years through the solar system, Juno has finally reached the orbit of Jupiter.  It is currently traveling almost 150,000 mph making all of the driving I do look like crawling.  The most dangerous part of the mission (which has cost $1.13 billion) occurred at 11:18 pm ET after Juno initiated its final approach procedures when it ignited its main engine for 35 minutes.  Now that Juno was successful, it will begin its first of 37 orbits around Jupiter.

Why is this a big deal?  According to NASA, “Juno’s study of Jupiter will help us to understand the history of our own solar system and provide new insight into how planetary systems form and develop in our galaxy and beyond.”

The New York Times elaborates:

Jupiter, most likely the first planet formed after the sun, is believed to hold the keys to understanding the origins of our solar system. How much water it contains and the possible presence of a rocky core could reveal where in the solar system Jupiter was created and provide clues to the early days of other planets.

After its projected orbits, Juno is scheduled to dive straight into Jupiter on February 20, 2018 to ensure no possibility of crash with Europa – which is regarded as one of the likelier places for life outside of our planet.