Managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of NASA , the Juno spacecraft is currently studying the planet Jupiter. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the spacecraft is sending back some mind-boggling images of our solar system’s largest planet.
During a flyby of Jupiter, NASA’s Juno space probe took some superb pictures of powerful storms whirling over Jupiter’s north pole. Scientists are studying the photos to better understand what causes these storms to happen and what gives them their special characteristics.
Swirls of wind
The #JunoMission completed its 43rd close flyby of Jupiter & imaged these vortices, or hurricane-like spiral wind patterns, near the gas giant’s north pole. These strong storms can be over 30 miles (50km) high & hundreds of miles across. https://t.co/9z8F5m6Ol8 pic.twitter.com/PkHRcDZ8VX— NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) July 28, 2022
According to a NASA release, these storms around Jupiter can reach depths of up to 50 kilometres. Scientists are interested in learning more about these whirlwinds because of the storms’ distinctive complexion and spiral-flower structure.
According to media outlet Mashable, the shapes and colours of the planets’ storms, which rotate counter-clockwise in Jupiter’s northern hemisphere and clockwise in its southern hemisphere, are noticeably different from those of the planets, revolve in the north counter-clockwise and in the south clockwise.
To comprehend Jupiter’s atmosphere, in addition to the fluid dynamics and cloud composition that produce the planet’s other atmospheric features, “it is essential to learn about these storms and how they develop.” a NASA release said.
Juno was launched in 2011 and reached Jupiter five years later, on July 5, during its 43rd closest approach to the massive planet.
