NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has provided groundbreaking observations of Jupiter's Great Red Spot, revealing that the 190-year-old storm exhibits unexpected changes in shape and motion over a 90-day period. This iconic anticyclone, which is the largest storm in the solar system, was observed to 'wiggle' and change dimensions, demonstrating that it is not as stable as previously thought.
The study, presented at the 56th annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society's Division for Planetary Sciences, highlighted how the storm's size oscillates while it moves, a phenomenon not observed before. Lead author Amy Simon emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, 'This is really the first time we've had the proper imaging cadence of the GRS.'
Hubble's high-resolution images allowed scientists to measure the storm's characteristics, revealing a correlation between its motion and the changes in its shape. The observations indicated that the storm's oval shape can appear skinnier or fatter, showcasing its dynamic nature.
In addition, a separate team using the James Webb Space Telescope discovered new details about the storm's center, which is cold and contains ammonia and water, contributing to the thick clouds observed. These insights are crucial for understanding weather patterns not only on Jupiter but also on exoplanets.
The findings underscore the complexity of Jupiter's atmosphere and the chaotic weather patterns that mirror those on Earth. By continuously monitoring the Great Red Spot, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of meteorological processes across the universe.