Dark Belt Reappearing on Jupiter
Explanation:
Why are planet-circling clouds disappearing and reappearing on Jupiter?
Although the ultimate cause remains unknown, planetary
meteorologists
are beginning to better understand what is happening.
Earlier this year, unexpectedly, Jupiter's dark
Southern Equatorial Belt (SEB) disappeared.
The
changes were first noted
by amateurs dedicated to watching Jupiter full time.
The South Equatorial Band has been
seen to change colors before, although the
change has never been recorded in such detail.
Detailed professional observations revealed that high-flying light-colored
ammonia-based clouds formed over
the
planet-circling dark belt.
Now those light clouds are dissipating,
again unveiling the lower dark clouds.
Pictured above two weeks ago, far
infrared
images -- depicted in false-color red -- show a
powerful storm system
active above the returning dark belt.
Continued observations of Jupiter's current
cloud opera, and our understanding
of it, is sure to continue.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
