Exploring the Turbulent Atmosphere of Jupiter's Storms
Written on
Chapter 1: The Mighty Tempests of Jupiter
Jupiter's storms are colossal phenomena that have intrigued scientists and captivated imaginations for decades. Recent advancements utilizing the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) and other powerful telescopes have enabled astronomers to peer beneath the planet's thick cloud cover, uncovering the mysteries of these ferocious tempests.
Radio wavelengths provide a unique opportunity to penetrate the dense atmosphere of Jupiter. By utilizing these frequencies, researchers can observe the movements occurring beneath the familiar cloud layers, presenting a fresh perspective on the largest planet in our Solar System.
According to Imke de Pater from the University of California, Berkeley, "ALMA has allowed us to create a three-dimensional map of ammonia gas distribution beneath the clouds. This marks our first chance to analyze the atmosphere beneath the ammonia cloud layers following a significant eruption on Jupiter."
Understanding the Composition of Jupiter's Atmosphere
The Jovian atmosphere primarily consists of hydrogen and helium, with trace amounts of methane, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and water. The uppermost layer is largely composed of ammonia ice, while just beneath, a region of ammonium hydrosulfide particles exists. Approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) below the surface gases, clouds of liquid water are believed to encircle the planet.
These atmospheric layers interact to create the distinctive tan, brown, and white stripes that characterize Jupiter. Spectacular storms develop within these upper layers, often accompanied by lightning, appearing as white plumes in visible light. The aftermath of these storms can persist in the planet's patterns for months or even years.
As William Shakespeare penned, "…and then, in dreaming, The clouds methought would open and show riches ready to drop upon me, that when I waked, I cried to dream again."
Delving Deeper into Jupiter's Atmosphere
By investigating 100 kilometers (63 miles) beneath the visible layers, scientists at the Very Large Array (VLA) have uncovered movements within the upper atmosphere. "This area has remained largely unexplored. Our observations provide crucial insights into temperature, pressure, and gas motions at these atmospheric levels," states de Pater.
Radio telescopes like ALMA require prolonged exposure times for targets, which can complicate data collection due to Jupiter's rapid rotation every 10 hours. A data-reduction technique was employed to clarify the extended exposure data.
Historically, astronomers believed that the stripes on Jupiter were associated with features observable in radio wavelengths. However, new data from the VLA indicate that radio events may occur independently of visible markings. Researchers propose that rising gases in the atmosphere might be precursors to future storms, altering the colors of Jupiter's bands.
The moist convection theory suggests that heat transfer within Jupiter's atmosphere propels ammonia and water vapor upwards to 80 kilometers (50 miles). At this altitude, water is thought to condense into droplets, releasing heat that causes the cloud to expand and further elevate the updraft. When this ammonia reaches space and freezes, it turns white, forming the recognizable plumes visible from Earth.
"If these plumes are vigorous and continue to experience convective events, they may disrupt entire bands over time, although this could take months. Our observations reveal one plume in action and the lingering effects of others," explains de Pater.
In January 2017, amateur astronomer Phil Miles detected an eruption in Jupiter's South Equatorial Belt. Initially spotted as a small white plume, this storm caused a noticeable disruption in its belt that was visible for weeks.
The Power of Observational Technology
Shortly after the eruption was detected, astronomers directed the ALMA Observatory's attention to the massive storm. Using radio frequencies, ALMA was able to penetrate Jupiter's outer layers.
"Jupiter was observed with ALMA from January 3 to 5, 2017, using 40 antennas arranged in a compact formation," the researchers detailed in the Astronomical Journal. Multiple instruments, including the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), collected data during this event. When HST focused on the area, it detected a second plume, likely formed by the same atmospheric conditions as the original.
Comparative analysis of ALMA's radio images with data from other observatories across various wavelengths provided a comprehensive view of the eruption.
"Our ALMA observations represent the first evidence that high concentrations of ammonia gas are elevated during energetic eruptions. The ability to observe across numerous wavelengths allowed us to examine the eruption's details," de Pater noted.
By studying celestial events through different wavelengths, astronomers can analyze diverse phenomena and gain insights into distant worlds. Merging data collected across various wavelengths can illuminate processes that remain hidden in isolated observations.
These observations from ALMA, combined with data from other frequencies, revealed ammonia plumes rising through Jupiter's upper atmosphere. Notably, a similar storm was documented in the northern hemisphere just two to three months before ALMA's observations.
Jupiter accounts for approximately 75 percent of all non-solar mass in the Solar System. Saturn contains an additional 15 percent, while Earth and the remaining six planets collectively hold just 10 percent of the Solar System's non-solar mass.
The first video titled "NASA Finally Shows What's Inside Jupiter's Great Red Spot" explores the latest findings about this massive storm.
The second video, "The Universe: The Violent Storms of Jupiter (S1, E4) | Full Episode | History," provides an in-depth look at the dynamic weather systems of Jupiter.
Did you enjoy this article? Subscribe to The Cosmic Companion Newsletter!