Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, is so full of mysteries that unearthing them all is no wonder. Check out the top 5 mysteries of Jupiter.
Jupiter is the fifth planet in the solar system and it is by far the largest. In fact, it is twice as massive as all the other planets in our solar system combined. Whenever scientists observe Jupiter, they are shocked to discover mysteries on this planet, since 1610 when Galileo Galilei found the first Moon beyond Earth. Jupiter is also known as a Gas Giant because of its dense hydrogen and helium atmosphere with windswept clouds of ammonia.
This planet has also been harboring many different natural phenomena. Jupiter’s iconic Great Red Spot is a giant storm larger than Earth that has raged for hundreds of years. The mysteries of this planet, and there are many, have been a topic of debate in the scientific community for a long time. Know about Jupiter’s top 5 mysteries.
1. Presence of country
Water was present in a lot on Jupiter, though not in a form that can be harvested. According to one report by the Southwest Research Institute, water reached Jupiter by hitchhiking on comets or asteroids during the planet’s early years. NASA’s Juno mission reported that water makes up 0.25 percent of atmospheric molecules above the planet’s equator.
2. Jupiter’s Structure
What is even more puzzling is the makeup of Jupiter. The planet is composed of 90 percent hydrogen that exists in the outer layers. According to a 2011 NASA feature, the planet’s core is composed of liquid hydrogen formed by hydrogen being subjected to extreme pressure, forcing electrons to escape. This mysterious liquid conducts electricity like metal.
3. Great Red Spot
Jupiter’s Great Red Spot is a mysterious swirling storm that has ravaged the planet for hundreds of years. Observations by NASA’s Juno spacecraft have provided fascinating insight into the planet and revealed that storms do indeed exist even thousands of kilometers inside the planet’s surface!
4. Auroras
Not only Earth, but Auroras have also been seen on planets like Jupiter. NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope recently revealed images showing the Northern Lights visible near the planet’s north and south poles. Although it is still unclear how the aurora is formed on this gas giant.
5. The existence of life?
Although it is known that Jupiter itself cannot support life, its Moons may one day be able to. Scientists even revealed that one of Jupiter’s moons called Europa has even more water on Earth! To study that, NASA’s Juno probe has regularly made close flights to the moon, capturing the icy surface and sending back images.
