New observations from the Hubble Space Telescope reveal that Jupiter's Great Red Spot (GRS) is more dynamic than previously thought. Over a 90-day period from December to March, researchers noted that this massive storm, the largest in the solar system, exhibits unexpected oscillations in size and shape, akin to a gelatinous structure.
The GRS, a long-lived anticyclone, has been observed for nearly 190 years, yet the recent findings indicate it is not as stable as it appears. Lead study author Amy Simon from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center highlighted that this is the first time such oscillatory behavior has been documented.
Using high-resolution imaging, scientists observed the storm's core brightening and changes in its oval shape, which can appear skinnier or fatter. The study, presented at the American Astronomical Society's Division for Planetary Sciences meeting, emphasizes the chaotic weather patterns of the GRS, likening them to meteorological phenomena on Earth.
Additionally, infrared observations from the James Webb Space Telescope revealed that the storm's center is cold, leading to condensation of ammonia and water, contributing to its iconic red hue. These insights not only enhance our understanding of Jupiter's atmosphere but may also offer clues about weather systems on exoplanets.
As the GRS continues to shrink, scientists predict it will stabilize, reducing its wobble. This ongoing research underscores the importance of long-term monitoring of planetary atmospheres to uncover complex behaviors in these colossal storms.