Astronomers from the University of Lisbon have conducted new research on the winds of Jupiter using the ESPRESSO instrument. Previous studies have mainly focused on discovering extrasolar gas giants, but now scientists have the opportunity to analyze the atmospheres within our own Solar System.
ESPRESSO is an advanced spectrograph operating within the Very Large Telescope (VLT) of the European Southern Observatory. With this instrument, researchers were able to make precise measurements of wind speeds on Jupiter using the Doppler effect.
Surprising results indicate that the winds on Jupiter blow at speeds ranging from 60 to as high as 428 km/s. However, the precision of the telescope presented certain challenges, especially when navigating the planet’s disk. The high resolution of the VLT required precise determination of the observation point. Additionally, as a gas giant, Jupiter does not have a constant rotation speed, making the conditions for study variable.
The researchers compared the new results with previous data obtained through other methods, mainly using space instruments. They plan to continue their studies to monitor changes in Jupiter’s wind speeds over time and create a model of the planet’s global atmospheric circulation. Furthermore, they plan to employ similar methods to study other gas giants within our Solar System, starting with Saturn.
FAQ
What are the wind speeds on Jupiter?
Wind speeds on Jupiter range from 60 to as high as 428 km/s.
What are the key discoveries regarding Jupiter’s atmosphere?
According to scientific research, Jupiter’s atmosphere contains ammonia, ammonium hydrosulfide, and water. Clouds of ammonia exist at levels visible from Earth, while water clouds form in the densest, lower layers of the atmosphere.
Source:
Caltech, MSSS, SwRI | Kevin M. Gill
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