NASA's Juno spacecraft beams first pictures from Jupiter

A NASA spacecraft has sent back the first pictures since arriving at Jupiter.

In this NASA handout, Members of the Juno team celebrate at a press conference. (Photo by Aubrey Gemignani/NASA via Getty Images)

An image released Tuesday shows Jupiter surrounded by three of its four largest moons. The picture was taken on Saturday when the Juno spacecraft was circling 3 million miles away. Even at that distance, Jupiter's Great Red Spot -- a centuries-old atmospheric storm -- was visible.

Juno entered orbit around Jupiter last week after a five-year journey. It's on a 20-month mission to map the giant planet's poles, atmosphere and interior.

During the approach, the camera and instruments were powered off as a precaution as Juno braved intense radiation. The instruments were turned back on several days after the arrival.

Scientists have said close-ups of Jupiter won't come until next month when Juno swings back around.