NASA's Hubble Space Telescope recently captured unusual behavior in Jupiter's Great Red Spot (GRS). This massive storm, big enough to swallow the Earth, has been active for more than 150 years. For the first time, scientists have observed it “moving,” with its size oscillating and its speed fluctuating. The findings have left astronomers intrigued, as the motion has never been documented before. The recent storm activity, marked by this surprising instability, is puzzling experts and raising questions about what could be causing these changes.
Unpredictable movements leave scientists intrigued
The Great Red Spot, which has been gradually shrinking over the past decade, has now shown unpredictable changes in its size, according to a paper published in The Planetary Science Journal. Astronomer Amy Simon, who led the observing team at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, commented on this unexpected behavior.
According to Simon, scientists have always noticed slight variations in its position, but the recent expansion and contraction has taken them by surprise. With Hubble's advanced capabilities, they were able to confirm that the storm is not only changing in size but also altering its speed.
Comparing movement to a sandwich
Mike Wong, a co-researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, told Area.com he compares the storm's actions to those of a stuffed sandwich. The GRS is being pushed by the jet streams around it, causing the bulging effect.
Wong also noted that the storm's central region lights up during its largest swings, suggesting changes in the planet's upper atmosphere. This could indicate a reduction in the fog that normally covers the storm.
Possible stabilization of the Great Red Spot
Simon's team believes the storm could eventually shrink enough to fit within Jupiter's wind bands, which will likely stabilize its size. Until then, they will continue to closely monitor the GRS to learn more about one of the most fascinating weather patterns in the solar system.
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