What Caused Jupiter to Lose a Stripe?

  • Thread starter Stanwyck66
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Jupiter
In summary, scientists are puzzled by the recent disappearance of one of Jupiter's characteristic dark stripes. An amateur spotted the change and speculation has begun on the possible causes, including changes in wind patterns or even a comparison to Earth's changing jet streams. Some have even jokingly suggested it could be due to global warming.
  • #1
Stanwyck66
17
0
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencet...upiter-loses-stripes-scientists-idea-why.html

Interesting little tidbit here..article says amateur spotted it..anyone else notice this? Either way, any ideas on what could cause Jupiter to lose a stripe?

I was under the assumption the darker bands and spots (such as in the Great Red Spot) were from stronger winds dredging up material from below. Could the missing darker band just mean the winds have died down enough to let the darker material settle?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
Maybe this can be compared to how our jet streams are always changing. I haven't seen to many more photos that prove that these belts are changing but maybe...

global warming? heh :biggrin:
 

FAQ: What Caused Jupiter to Lose a Stripe?

1. What caused Jupiter to lose a stripe?

Scientists believe that the disappearance of one of Jupiter's stripes is due to a massive storm that occurred in the planet's atmosphere, which caused changes in the planet's cloud patterns and altered the appearance of its stripes.

2. How long will it take for Jupiter's stripe to reappear?

It is difficult to predict when or if the lost stripe on Jupiter will reappear. In the past, similar events have taken anywhere from a few months to several years for the stripes to fully return. However, the exact timeline is uncertain and can vary depending on various factors.

3. Is this the first time Jupiter has lost a stripe?

No, Jupiter has lost stripes in the past. In fact, this is the third time in the last two decades that a stripe has disappeared from the planet's atmosphere. However, this recent event has caught the attention of scientists because it is the first time they have been able to observe the process in detail.

4. How does the loss of a stripe affect Jupiter's atmosphere?

The loss of a stripe on Jupiter does not have a significant impact on the planet's atmosphere as a whole. However, it does provide scientists with a unique opportunity to study the dynamics of the planet's atmosphere and how it responds to such events.

5. Could this event have any implications for Earth?

The loss of a stripe on Jupiter does not have any direct implications for Earth. However, studying the changes in Jupiter's atmosphere can help scientists better understand the complex dynamics of our own planet's atmosphere and potentially improve our ability to forecast and prepare for extreme weather events.

Back
Top