Mystery Spot on Jupiter Baffles Astronomers

In summary, astronomers have discovered a strange black spot near the equator of Jupiter, which has been captured in two images taken on different days by different photographers. This has caused confusion among astronomers as to whether the images show the same thing or not. It is believed that a reaction in the lower atmosphere or deep core of Jupiter, possibly caused by a previous comet impact, may have led to the emergence of this mysterious spot. Some even speculate that it could be the work of aliens. Unfortunately, the Galileo spacecraft has already been decommissioned, otherwise it could have provided more detailed images of the spot.
  • #1
Ivan Seeking
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Astronomers have spotted a strange, obvious and inexplicable black spot near the equator of Jupiter. A picture of the object is circling this planet electronically as researchers scratch their heads about what they've found.

A second image, taken on another day by a different photographer, contains a similar looking spot. As of early today, the second image had deepened the mystery. Some astronomers were at first puzzled over whether the two photos show the same thing or not. As it turns out, they do not.

http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/jupiter_dark_spot_031023.html
 
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  • #2

Very interesting!

Some years ago while watching the Levi Shoemaker comet slamming into Jupiter I stated on the 'old PF forum boards' that there would be a possible 'reaction' inside the lower atmosphere/deep core, that would eventually surface at a later date.

New Chemicals deposited by a newly arriving body, with the energy deposited in such an impact would add some new reactants that would evolve in time.

Heard it here first :wink:
 
  • #3


Originally posted by ranyart
Very interesting!

Some years ago while watching the Levi Shoemaker comet slamming into Jupiter I stated on the 'old PF forum boards' that there would be a possible 'reaction' inside the lower atmosphere/deep core, that would eventually surface at a later date.

New Chemicals deposited by a newly arriving body, with the energy deposited in such an impact would add some new reactants that would evolve in time.

Heard it here first :wink:

Forgot to add..LOCATION..LOCATION!
 
  • #4
Must be them evil aliens, in hiding, preparing their attack !
 
  • #5
It's full of stars...:wink:

Too bad we just ditched the Galileo spacecraft ! That would have provided great pictures.

Hmm...
 
Last edited:
  • #6
Looks like the people who said NASA was going to blow up Jupiter were right :wink:. Seriously though, this is intriguing.
 

1. What is the "Mystery Spot" on Jupiter?

The "Mystery Spot" on Jupiter is a large, dark spot that was first observed by NASA's Juno spacecraft in 2019. It is located in Jupiter's southern hemisphere and is about the size of Earth.

2. What makes this spot so mysterious?

The spot is mysterious because it is unlike any other feature seen on Jupiter before. It has a distinct shape and color, and it has been observed to change over time. Additionally, the spot does not seem to fit into any of the known weather patterns on Jupiter.

3. What have scientists hypothesized about the cause of the spot?

Scientists have put forth several hypotheses about the cause of the spot, including a storm that has risen from deep within Jupiter's atmosphere, an upwelling of ammonia gas, and a disturbance caused by the planet's powerful jet streams. However, none of these theories have been confirmed yet.

4. How are scientists studying the spot?

Scientists are using the Juno spacecraft to study the spot in more detail. Juno is equipped with instruments that can measure the spot's composition, temperature, and other important characteristics. Additionally, scientists are using computer models to simulate the spot's formation and evolution.

5. What could the discovery of this spot mean for our understanding of Jupiter?

The discovery of this spot could provide valuable insights into the inner workings of Jupiter's atmosphere and weather patterns. It could also help us better understand the behavior of gas giants in general. Furthermore, studying this spot could lead to the development of new theories and models to explain the mysteries of the universe.

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