NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Peers Into Jupiter's Stormy Weather

Jace Dela Cruz, Tech Times 15 March 2024, 09:03 am

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope recently glimpsed into the tumultuous weather of Jupiter, showcasing the planet's ever-changing weather patterns.

NASA Hubble on Stormy Weather in Jupiter

The images, captured on January 5-6, 2024, provide a comprehensive view of the gas giant's two hemispheres. This routine observation is part of the Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy program (OPAL), through which Hubble monitors Jupiter and other outer solar system planets annually.

Jupiter's immense size and dynamic weather systems make it a captivating subject for study. In the images, the Great Red Spot, a long-standing feature of Jupiter's atmosphere, dominates the left side of the planet.

The Great Red Spot is a storm with crimson-colored clouds that spin counterclockwise at wind speeds exceeding those in any storm on Earth. Adjacent to it, towards the lower right, lies another notable scenario, known as Red Spot Jr.

This smaller anticyclone, formed from the merging of storms in 1998 and 2000, displays a reddish hue that fluctuates over time, according to NASA. The source of this coloration remains a mystery, with the potential involvement of various chemical compounds.

Hubble Tracks Jupiter’s Stormy Weather — NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captured both sides of the giant planet, Jupiter, on January 5-6, 2024.
(Photo : NASA, ESA, STScI, Amy Simon (NASA-GSFC))

The Great Red Spot and Its Jr.

Moving in opposite directions, Red Spot Jr. and the Great Red Spot occasionally interact, creating a captivating celestial dance. A smaller red anticyclone can also be observed in the planet's far north.

Storm activity is also evident in the right image. A pair of storms, consisting of a deep red cyclone and a reddish anticyclone, are situated side by side towards the right of the image.

Their striking red coloration gives the impression of a wounded planet, resembling a scraped knee, according to NASA. These storms, rotating in opposing directions, indicate the presence of alternating high- and low-pressure systems.

The distinct atmospheric dynamics of these storms contribute to Jupiter's complex weather patterns. These storm systems are expected to interact as they move past each other due to their opposing rotations.

Amy Simon, the lead of the OPAL project, notes that Jupiter's atmosphere is currently bustling with activity, evident from the presence of numerous large storms and small white clouds.

The Galilean Moon Io

On the left edge of the image, the innermost Galilean moon, Io, comes into view. Despite its relatively small size, Io is the most volcanically active body in the Solar System.

Hubble's observations reveal volcanic outflow deposits on Io's surface, showcasing its dynamic geological features. The telescope's sensitivity to blue and violet wavelengths allows for the clear detection of surface characteristics, continuing the legacy of exploration initiated by NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft in 1979.

The Hubble Space Telescope has been operational for over thirty years. It remains at the forefront of astronomical research, unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos. It stands as a testament to international collaboration, with contributions from both NASA and ESA.