Sharmila Kuthunur is a Seattle-based science journalist covering astronomy, astrophysics and space exploration. Follow her on X @skuthunur.
This image of Jupiter was captured by NASA's Juno spacecraft during its close flyby of the gas giant on Sept. 7, 2023.The mysterious workings of Jupiter's intense magnetic field are coming to light, thanks to a tiny jet buried deep in the gas giant's atmosphere. Every four years, this jet appears to fluctuate like a wave.
While it's not yet clear what drives this atmospheric jet, new findings reveal some clues about the invisible, complex workings of an intense area of magnetism near's equator, dubbed the"Great Blue Spot." This region isn't actually blue; the name comes from the color scale scientists use to build maps of Jupiter's magnetic field.
"These changes can be explained in large part by an eastward drift of the spot, but, as reported in this paper, that rate of drift is fluctuating."Scientists previously knew this cluster of intense magnetic fields drift more than anywhere else on the gas planet, thanks to strong winds blowing right from its turbulent"surface" to 1,860 miles deep. At that deepest point, Jupiter's intense magnetic field is thought to dampen these winds.
The newfound jet may even be drifting at a miniscule scale of tens of centimeters per second in that area, as opposed to other jets on the surface which travel many times faster.Still, the finding is a"very marginal measurement," said Kaspi, who was not involved with the paper. He says it's better thought of as an initial result within the noise threshold as scientists don't yet have enough data to conclude the jet fluctuates precisely every four years.
These Lego Ideas SLS rocket, Kerbal Space Program and 'The Martian' concepts are incredible, and we hope they get made
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Marine Mystery: Why Are Great White Sharks Disappearing in South Africa?Science, Space and Technology News 2024
Read more »
Does Great Design Lead to Great Automotive Brands?Aesthetics can only get you so far. From exquisite supercars to futuristic Teslas, how big a role does design play in the automotive industry?
Read more »
Jupiter cancels Ripple XRP ETP investment after self-compliance inspection: FTJupiter Asset Management canceled its investment in a Ripple XRP ETP due to compliance issues, the Financial Times reported.
Read more »
Carbon dioxide gas spotted in atmosphere of Jupiter’s moon CallistoCarbon dioxide gas found throughout the atmosphere of Callisto hints it has a complex carbon cycle – akin to the one which on Earth helps to sustain life
Read more »
Jupiter String Quartet Presented by San Antonio Chamber Music SocietyThe fourth concert of the 81st season of the San Antonio Chamber Music Society will feature Jupiter String Quartet.
Read more »