Jupiter’s Great Red Spot observed by Webb’s Infrared Spectrograph. A team of astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has discovered previously unseen structures and activity in Jupiter’s upper atmosphere. The area seen in the survey using the Webb Telescope is above the Great Red Spot. According to NASA, the Great Red Spot, the largest storm in the Solar System, is twice the size of Earth and is thought to have been around for at least 300 years.
Jupiter’s upper atmosphere is the interface between the planet’s magnetic field and the main atmosphere. Jupiter’s aura can be seen in its upper atmosphere. The structure of the upper atmosphere towards the planet’s equator is affected by sunlight and is therefore more difficult to observe.
In July 2022, Jupiter’s Great Red Spot was observed by Webb’s Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) using the instrument’s Integral Field Unit capability. The team was surprised to find that the upper atmosphere has a variety of complex structures, such as dark arcs and bright spots, in different regions.
“We thought this area would probably be naively boring. As interesting as the northern lights, Jupiter never fails to be very proud,” he said.
Scientists Discover Complex Features Above Jupiter’s Famous Red Spot! Read more: https://t.co/wHAiYBap2l or 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/71J9ToJGIH
— ESA Webb Telescope (@ESA_Webb) June 25, 2024
Although the light emitted from this region is driven by sunlight, the team suggests that there must be another mechanism that changes the shape and structure of the upper atmosphere.
Mr. Melin says “One way to change this structure is through gravity waves – similar to waves that wash over the beach and create ripples in the sand. “These waves are formed deep in the turbulent lower atmosphere around the Great Red Spot, and can travel upwards, changing the structure and radiation high atmosphere”.
The team explained that these atmospheric waves are occasionally observed on Earth, but they are weaker than those seen by Webb on Jupiter.
Scientists hope to study this pattern in more detail and understand how Jupiter’s upper atmosphere has changed over time. It is also hoped that these findings will soon inform the ESA Cold Jupiter Moon Explorer mission, where the Shire spacecraft will study Jupiter and its moons Ganymede, Callisto and Europa.
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