However, near the equator, the structure of the planet’s upper atmosphere is affected by incoming sunlight. Because Jupiter receives only 4% of the sunlight it receives on Earth, astronomers expected this region to be homogeneous in nature.
Great Red Spot Jupiter It was observed by Webb’s near-infrared spectrometer (NIRSpec) in July 2022, using the capabilities of the instrument’s Integrated Field Unit. The team’s early scientific launch observations sought to verify whether this region was indeed dim, and the region above the famous Great Red Spot was the target of the researchers’ observations. Web . The team was surprised explore The upper atmosphere hosts a variety of complex structures, including dark arcs and bright spots, throughout the field of view.
“We thought, perhaps naively, that this area would be really boring,” said team leader Henrik Melin from the University of Leicester in the UK.
“In fact, it’s as interesting as the northern lights, if not more so. Jupiter “Never cease to surprise.”
Although the light from this region is driven by sunlight, the team suggests that there must be another mechanism that changes the shape and structure of the upper atmosphere.
“One way this structure can be changed is through gravity waves, similar to waves that crash on a beach and create ripples in the sand,” Henrik explained. “These waves are generated deep in the turbulent lower atmosphere, around the Great Red Spot, and can travel upward, modifying the structure and emissions of the upper atmosphere.”
The team explains that these atmospheric waves can sometimes be observed on Earth, but they are much weaker than those observed on Earth. Jupiter for him Web . They also hope to provide follow-up feedback on Web From these complex wave patterns in the future to explore how the patterns move within the planet’s upper atmosphere and to develop our understanding of the energy budget in this region and how the properties change over time.
Video: Signs of water vapor on Jupiter’s moon Ganymede
DPA, YouTube.
