'Can swallow entire Earth': NASA's Hubble cracks the code behind Jupiter's colossal storm
Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
NASA’s Stunning Discoveries
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has unveiled new insights about Jupiter's Great Red Spot (GRS), revealing that this massive storm is not as stable as previously thought. Over a 90-day observation period, Hubble captured unprecedented details about its behavior and characteristics.
Jupiter’s Great Red Spot
The GRS is an enormous, crimson storm resembling a cycloptic eye. It has existed for over 150 years and is so large it could engulf Earth, making it the largest storm in the solar system.
Dynamic Monitoring
Between December 2023 and March 2024, Hubble conducted continuous monitoring of the GRS, showcasing that the storm exhibits surprising fluctuations in size and shape, challenging previous assumptions about its stability.
Shape-Shifting Behavior
Hubble’s observations showed the GRS oscillating like gelatin, altering its elliptical shape unexpectedly. These changes reflect the dynamic nature of Jupiter’s turbulent atmosphere and its impact on storm behavior.
Unexpected Size Variations
Researchers discovered that the GRS experiences size oscillations along with shape changes. Lead scientist Amy Simon emphasized that this phenomenon had not been identified before, adding complexity to our understanding of storm dynamics.
Ultraviolet Insights
In ultraviolet light, Hubble revealed that the storm's core brightens when the GRS reaches its maximum size, indicating less haze absorption and providing clues about atmospheric conditions above the storm.
Meteorological Comparisons
The GRS serves as a cosmic analog for hurricanes on Earth. By studying this massive storm, scientists aim to enhance their understanding of atmospheric phenomena not just on Jupiter, but across the universe.
Impacts of Jet Streams
The GRS interacts with surrounding jet streams, causing oscillations similar to how bread bulges when overfilled. This interaction helps maintain the storm's position in Jupiter's southern hemisphere.
Long-term Shrinking Trend
Over the last decade, the GRS has been steadily shrinking. Researchers predict that it may stabilize into a less elongated shape as it becomes constrained by Jupiter's wind fields, opening new avenues for study.