The Great Red Spot: A Closer Look at Jupiter's Enduring Storm
Written on
Chapter 1: The Great Red Spot's Longevity
The Great Red Spot, the largest storm in our solar system, has been churning on Jupiter for at least two centuries. This colossal storm, once capable of engulfing approximately three Earths, has recently shown signs of thinning, leading some to speculate that it may vanish within a few decades. However, recent observations do not necessarily indicate an impending end.
Philip Marcus, a fluid dynamics engineer at Berkeley, recently addressed this topic at the American Physical Society’s Division of Fluid Dynamics annual meeting. He emphasized that the Great Red Spot remains vibrant despite its changes. Observations of red fragments detaching from the main storm and long-term data showing its gradual shrinking have fueled concerns about its decline. Still, Marcus’s simulations indicate that the core vortex is healthy. “I don't think its situation was ever dire,” he remarked in a press release. “It’s reminiscent of Mark Twain’s saying: The rumors of its demise have been greatly exaggerated.”
Section 1.1: Insights from Atmospheric Research
Understanding the depths of Jupiter's atmosphere, which extends thousands of miles, poses significant challenges due to the inability to see through its surface. Amy Simon, a planetary atmosphere researcher at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, notes that while the cloud tops of the Great Red Spot are indeed evolving, the implications of these changes are still unclear. “We can’t determine how deep the changes go,” she explains. “It's possible that beneath the surface, everything remains stable while only the upper layers are affected.”
Subsection 1.1.1: The Nature of Observed Changes
Both Marcus and Simon agree that the recent observations of flaking are not indicative of the storm disintegrating. Amateur astronomers first noted these red patches peeling away from the main mass in early 2019, raising questions about the storm's future.
However, Simon clarifies that such phenomena are typical for Jupiter. These occurrences happen when the storm’s winds draw in surrounding materials, which become red over time (the exact reason for the reddish color remains unknown, though it may be linked to altitude and sunlight exposure). When these mini-storms collide with other incoming elements, the reddish material can disperse in various directions. “It’s akin to two fire hoses spraying water at each other,” Marcus explained.
Section 1.2: Changes in Size and Structure
While the storm may not be disintegrating, it is noticeably less formidable than in the past. Simon reflects on how 19th-century astronomers meticulously tracked the storm's size, as its pink edges moved across their instruments. In contrast, the current Red Spot occupies only about one-third of its former area.
This reduction is not just a visual change. Observations from Hubble and other spacecraft have revealed alterations in the internal wind patterns, with higher-level clouds being drawn into the deeper vortex. The strongest winds are located between the edge and the center of the spot, which has also seen a reduction in size. “We have definite measurements of that,” Simon states. “What remains unclear is the structure deep within.”
Chapter 2: The Future of the Great Red Spot
Marcus's simulations aim to delve into the depths of the Great Red Spot by inferring details from surface-level observations. His models suggest that the storm's deep currents remain unaffected by the changing clouds above, allowing the vortex to persist for centuries. However, there are limitations to this theory. “Modeling is beneficial for providing insights about unseen parts, but it has its drawbacks because it's not always verifiable,” Simon notes.
As the storm shrinks and rounds out, it also rises higher above the cloud tops. This phenomenon, observed in similar storms on Earth, can sometimes lead to upper-level winds tearing the storm apart. “That’s one aspect we’re closely monitoring,” Simon adds. “It’s all conjecture at this point.”
To truly resolve these uncertainties, sending a probe into the vortex could provide critical data that connects deeper models with surface observations. However, Simon does not foresee a dedicated mission to the Great Red Spot in the near future. “Is it more crucial to investigate that single structure or to gain broader insights into the planet as a whole? I can't say,” she admits. “Nonetheless, I would like to see another probe return there.”
The first video titled "What If You Fell Into Jupiter's Red Spot?" explores the unique characteristics and dangers of this colossal storm. It delves into the science behind the Great Red Spot and the conditions that define it.
The second video, "A Strange Thing Happening to Jupiter's Great Red Spot," discusses recent changes observed in the storm, including the implications of its shrinking size and the ongoing research efforts to understand its future.