Webb Telescope's Jaw-Dropping Jupiter Image Reveals Powerful Jet Stream

Jamie Carter



This image of Jupiter from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) shows stunning details of the majestic planet in infrared light.
NASA, ESA, CSA, STSCI, RICARDO HUESO (UPV), IMKE DE PATER (UC BERKELEY), THIERRY FOUCHET (OBSERVATORY OF PARIS), LEIGH FLETCHER (UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER), MICHAEL H. WONG (UC BERKELEY), JOSEPH DEPASQUALE (STSCI)

Scientists looking closely at this iconic image of Jupiter from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have found an exciting new feature in the giant planet’s atmosphere.

The image, which is taken by capturing only infrared light, was first published in August using observations from 2022, but it’s only now revealing what’s happening at Jupiter’s equator.

Scientists have used the image to find a high-speed jet stream spanning over 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers) above the planet’s main cloud decks in Jupiter’s lower stratosphere. The newly discovered jet stream travels at about 320 miles (515 kilometers) per hour—about twice as fast as a Category 5 hurricane on Earth.

Turbulent Atmosphere

That’s important because Jupiter’s turbulent atmosphere comprises many layers, which are hard to tease apart. Webb’s unique infrared capabilities, it seems, will be key in untangling how the layers interact with each other.

More:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2023/10/23/webb-telescopes-jaw-dropping-jupiter-image-reveals-powerful-jet-stream/