Is Jupiter changing its spots?

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In summary, according to a new explanation, Jupiter is experiencing significant climate change and may lose its large spots in the next seven years, only to create new ones in a continuous cycle. While this theory has yet to be confirmed, it is considered interesting and testable by other researchers, even with amateur telescopes. The idea was proposed by Philip Marcus, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, who specializes in fluid and atmospheric dynamics and has never observed Jupiter through a telescope. His computer modeling, published in the journal Nature, explains the disappearance of white spots and offers verifiable predictions.
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Jupiter is undergoing major climate change and could lose many of its large spots over the next seven years, only to make way for the creation of fresh spots in a decades-long cycle, according to a new explanation of old mysteries.

While the analysis remains to be proven, it is seen by other researchers as interesting and, importantly, testable even with large backyard telescopes.

Philip Marcus, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley who came up with the idea is an expert in fluid and atmospheric dynamics. He has never seen Jupiter through a telescope. But his computer modeling, reported in the April 22 issue of the journal Nature, accounts for previously noted disappearances of large white spots, and it makes predictions that can easily be verified or refuted. [continued]

http://space.com/scienceastronomy/jupiter_spots_040421.html
 
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AFAIK, Jupiter did not sign the Kyoto protocol, so we can expect it to undergo global l warming.:rolleyes:
 

1. What are Jupiter's spots?

Jupiter's spots are large, dark, swirling storms on the planet's surface that are believed to be caused by strong winds and atmospheric disturbances.

2. Is Jupiter's Great Red Spot changing or disappearing?

The Great Red Spot on Jupiter has been observed for over 300 years and has been shrinking in size, but it is not disappearing. However, other smaller spots on Jupiter's surface have been observed to change or disappear over time.

3. Why do Jupiter's spots change?

The exact reason for why Jupiter's spots change is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be due to the planet's strong winds and atmospheric disturbances, which can cause the spots to merge, split, or dissipate over time.

4. How often do Jupiter's spots change?

Jupiter's spots can change at varying rates, with some spots changing over the course of a few years while others may persist for decades. The exact frequency of changes is not well studied and can vary depending on the location and size of the spot.

5. Can we predict when Jupiter's spots will change?

Predicting when Jupiter's spots will change is difficult as the planet's atmosphere is complex and constantly evolving. However, scientists continue to study and monitor the planet in hopes of better understanding the patterns and factors that influence the changes in Jupiter's spots.

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