New Jupiter Phenomenon: Have You Heard?

In summary, there is a dark spot on Jupiter that is different from the famous Great Red Spot. It is believed to be a result of the solar wind causing reactions and producing hydrocarbons in Jupiter's atmosphere. There is another cloud formation over the pole that changes color and is possibly related to the aurora or the ultraviolet camera on the Cassini probe. Some have suggested a connection to Velichovsky's theories about the birth of planets in our solar system.
  • #1
Mentat
3,960
3
Has anyone else heard about this?

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2003/12mar_darkspot.htm?list827141 [Broken]
 
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  • #2
That's pretty cool. So is the Big Red Spot (or whatever) and the Dark Spot the samething or what? Also, could it be an illusion? The article mentioned an aurora effect could have caused the phenomenon, like the Earth's northern lights.
 
  • #3
Cue 2001 A Space Odyssee moment...

No. from article:
"The Great Dark Spot and the Great Red Spot are entirely different," he says. The Great Red Spot is deep. "It's a high-pressure storm system rooted in Jupiter's troposphere far below the cloudtops. The Great Dark Spot is apparently shallow and confined to Jupiter's high stratosphere."

Now, the GDS is considered to be an effect of the solar wind, similar to the aurora on earth. On jupiter, it causes reactions producing hydrocarbons that float in the atmosphere. Hence, it is visible in UV as hydrocarbons absorb UV light...
 
  • #4
I couldn't help noticing another cloud formation of even greater size that appears to be centered directly over the poll itself. During the animation, it changes color slightly but it's outline remains easily discernible. Since it is not mentioned in the article, I assume that it is nothing of great significance. Possibly an effect caused by the ultraviolet camera on the Cassini probe. Does anyone know?
 
  • #5
Maybe it was a part of the aurora (or the aurora itself?)?
 
  • #6
Originally posted by Mentat
Has anyone else heard about this?

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2003/12mar_darkspot.htm?list827141 [Broken]

I know Velichovsky's theory's are not so accepted amongst people who think they know everything already... but... Velichovsky did mention, in passing, that the red spot on Jupiter could well be where Venus was ejected (or extracted) from the superplanet.

This fits his catastrophic model of the birth of certain planets in this solar system. He is an anti-uniformist with regard to the topic.

The dark spot is cool too. It could be a side effect to giving birth to a planet... which may have happened as recently as 3600 years ago according to records sited by Velichovsky.

Carl Sagan would be a bit upset about me mentioning this.
 
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  • #7
Originally posted by MajinVegeta
Maybe it was a part of the aurora (or the aurora itself?)?

Yea, that's probably it. The point where the magnetic field turns perpendicular to the atmosphere (or maybe the camera) as seen in UV.
 

1. What is the New Jupiter Phenomenon?

The New Jupiter Phenomenon refers to a recent discovery that Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, has a new atmospheric feature. This feature, known as the Great Cold Spot, is a large and long-lasting vortex in Jupiter's upper atmosphere. It is similar to Jupiter's Great Red Spot, but is much colder and appears to be more stable.

2. How was the New Jupiter Phenomenon discovered?

The New Jupiter Phenomenon was discovered by a team of scientists using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) telescope in Chile. They were studying Jupiter's atmosphere when they noticed a large cold spot in the planet's upper atmosphere. Further analysis and observations confirmed that this was a new and distinct feature.

3. What causes the Great Cold Spot in Jupiter's atmosphere?

The exact cause of the Great Cold Spot is still unknown, but scientists believe it is related to Jupiter's powerful jet streams and the planet's unique atmospheric dynamics. The spot is located in a region where hot and cold air mix, which may contribute to its stability. Further research and analysis will help us better understand the underlying causes of this phenomenon.

4. How does the New Jupiter Phenomenon impact our understanding of the planet?

The discovery of the Great Cold Spot has expanded our understanding of Jupiter's atmosphere and weather patterns. It also raises new questions about how similar features may form and persist on other gas giant planets in our solar system and beyond. Studying this phenomenon may also provide insights into the processes that shape and maintain the complex atmospheres of gas giants.

5. What are the implications of the New Jupiter Phenomenon for future research?

The discovery of the Great Cold Spot has sparked new interest and research in Jupiter's atmosphere. Scientists are now using a variety of instruments and techniques to study this phenomenon in more detail and learn more about its formation and behavior. This research may also help us gain a better understanding of the overall climate and weather patterns on Jupiter and other gas giant planets in our solar system.

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