2024-03-18 10:19:45
Jupiter is not only the largest planet in our solar system, but also the scene of unique weather phenomena. There are now new recordings of this.
Extreme weather prevails on Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system. The gas giant does not have a solid surface like Earth or rocky planets. Nevertheless, there are unique weather phenomena on the fifth planet from the Sun. The Hubble Space Telescope captured some of them earlier this year.
The European space agency Esa has now published these images, which were taken as part of the Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy Program (OPAL). As Esa explains on its website, the high-resolution images allow us a fascinating look at the constantly changing weather phenomena on the gas giant.
Jupiter is a planet where there is always a storm: there are cyclones and anticyclones with wind speeds of up to 560 kilometers per hour. The so-called Great Red Spot is particularly well known. This massive storm is big enough to theoretically swallow the Earth and stands out prominently in Jupiter’s atmosphere.
Space probe will provide even more information about Jupiter from 2031
In addition to the Great Red Spot, there is also a storm sometimes called “Red Spot Junior.” This anticyclone is the result of storms that coalesced in 1998 and 2000. Its color keeps changing from beige to red. The reason for the red color is not known, but it could be chemical compounds made from sulfur, phosphorus or other material. The “Red Spot Jr.” moves in the opposite direction to the Great Red Spot and passes it about every two years.
In addition to the images of Jupiter, Hubble also imaged Io – one of the Galilean moons orbiting the giant planet. Despite its smaller size, it is the most volcanically active body in the entire solar system.
There could be more information about Jupiter’s moons in a few years. Last year, the “Juice” space probe launched into space and set course for the gas giant, which it is expected to reach in around 2031. “Juice” will travel around six billion kilometers and, upon arrival, will primarily examine the larger moons.