Hubble Space Telescope Finds Jupiter’s Great Red Spot Mysteriously Oscillating in Size and Speed 4u1g51 Technology News

NASA’s Hubble reveals unexpected changes in Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, shocking scientists with its shifting size and speed. 6u5s37

Written by Gadgets 360 Staff | Updated: 14 October 2024 14:00 IST

Hubble Space Telescope Finds Jupiter’s Great Red Spot Mysteriously Oscillating in Size and Speed

Photo Credit: NASA/ESA/Amy Simon (NASA-GSFC) 59291l

Jupiter, imaged by the Hubble Space Telescope on Jan. 5, 2024.

Highlights

Hubble finds Jupiter’s Great Red Spot oscillating in size
Unexpected Red Spot movement on Jupiter puzzles astronomers
Scientists monitor Jupiter’s Red Spot for more clues about changes

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NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has recently captured unusual behaviour in Jupiter's Great Red Spot (GRS). This massive storm, large enough to swallow Earth, has been active for over 150 years. For the first time, scientists have observed it "jiggling," with its size oscillating and its speed fluctuating. The findings have left astronomers intrigued, as the movement has never been documented before. The storm's recent activity, marked by this surprising instability, is puzzling experts and raising questions about what could be causing these changes.

Unpredictable Movements Leave Scientists Intrigued 5s3u6w

The Great Red Spot, which has been shrinking gradually over the last decade, has now shown unpredictable shifts in its size, as per a NASA's Goddard Space Flight Centre, commented on this unexpected behaviour.

According to Simon, scientists have always noted slight variations in its position, but the recent expansion and contraction have taken them by surprise. With Hubble's advanced capabilities, they were able to confirm that the storm is not just changing in size but also altering its speed.

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Comparing the Movement to a Sandwich 5z4u3j

Mike Wong, co-investigator from the University of California at Berkeley, told Space.com the storm's actions to that of an overstuffed sandwich. The GRS is being pushed by jet streams that surround it, causing the bulging effect.

Wong also pointed out that the storm's central region brightens during its largest oscillations, suggesting changes in the planet's upper atmosphere. This could indicate a reduction in the haze that usually blankets the storm.

Potential Stabilisation of the Great Red Spot 3y1l6b

Simon's team believes the storm may eventually shrink enough to fit within Jupiter's wind bands, which will likely stabilise its size. Until then, they will continue to monitor the GRS closely to gain more insight into one of the solar system's most fascinating weather patterns.

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