NASA doesn’t seem willing to take a break too soon when it comes to showing us the amazing powers of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Launched into space only less than a year ago, Webb once again amazes the world with a mesmerizing new photo of the biggest planet in our Solar System, Jupiter.
The well-known gas giant known as Jupiter can represent a great study material for anyone who is interested in astronomy. It lacks a solid surface, it’s hundreds of times larger than Earth, it has the biggest storm in the Solar System known as the Great Red Spot, and the examples can continue a lot more.
Similar to Earth, Jupiter also has those glowing auroras that can conquer the sight of many of us. If you’re already calling our bluff, here’s the proof provided by the James Webb Space Telescope itself:
Giant news from a giant planet!@NASAWebb captured a new view of Jupiter in infrared light, uncovering clues to the planet’s inner life. Two moons, rings, and distant galaxies are visible. Get the details: https://t.co/6WKbAQY78z pic.twitter.com/9uaACCPGyU
— NASA (@NASA) August 22, 2022
The new image that was captured thanks to Webb’s infrared light shows not only auroras and the planet Jupiter itself. We can also see some moons, rings, and distant galaxies in the photo. Some people might not know, but Jupiter also possesses rings similar to Saturn, although they’re significantly less prominent. As for moons, Jupiter has around 80 such cosmic objects revolving around it.
Ironically enough, the Great Red Spot of Jupiter appears white in the new photo of James Webb, but there is a scientific explanation. The dot is reflecting sunlight.
Heidi Hammel, who is AURA’s vice president for science, explained as NASA’s website quotes:
The brightness here indicates high altitude – so the Great Red Spot has high-altitude hazes, as does the equatorial region,
The numerous bright white ‘spots’ and ‘streaks’ are likely very high-altitude cloud tops of condensed convective storms.
What’s for sure is that even in 2022, there is still a lot to learn about Jupiter. And that’s precisely what makes things even more exciting!
