Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, boasts the biggest magnetosphere. It's an area of space where the planet's magnetic field dominates.
Jupiter's auroras are caused by high-energy particles from the Sun penetrating the magnetosphere. These particles are then directed to the poles by the magnetic field.
The James Webb Space Telescope captured new images of Jupiter's auroras, revealing unexpected intensity and dynamics. Scientists were surprised by how bright and dynamic the auroras appeared, with brightness changing rapidly.
Observations from both the Webb and Hubble telescopes showed differences in brightness. This discrepancy challenged previous assumptions about the energy levels of particles entering Jupiter's atmosphere.
Researchers suggest that particles ejected from volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io contribute to the auroras. These particles combine with solar particles to create a vast aurora at Jupiter's north pole.
Scientists aim to gather more data to understand Jupiter's auroras and how solar particles interact with Io's particles. The Juno spacecraft, orbiting Jupiter since 2016, will aid in this research.