Mystery of Aurora on Jupiter Solved

Scientists who continue their studies on space have reached remarkable results by using a combination of data obtained by the unmanned spacecraft called Juno, which has been orbiting Jupiter since 2016, and the Hubble Space Telescope. The investigations have helped to shed light on the mystery of the aurora on Jupiter.

In the studies carried out by scientists working at the University of Leicester School of Physics and Astronomy, the magnetic field data collected by Juno and the high-detail imaging features of the Hubble Space Telescope were used. The investigations led experts to suggest that the aurora on Jupiter are associated with an electrical current system that acts as part of the interaction with materials in the planet’s very strong magnetosphere.

“We’ve been looking for evidence for 20 years”

In fact, scientists have been working on Jupiter’s aurora for a long time. Recent studies have provided an understanding of what is happening on Jupiter and how the changes in these auroral lights occur. Dr. In the statements made by Jonathan Nichols, it was stated that the strongest evidence to date was obtained with the latest study. The scientist stated that the findings can be used to illuminate the secrets on other planets along with Jupiter.

In the photo above you see all the mystery about the aurora on Jupiter. So what is depicted in this photo? Jupiter on the left has a moon called Io (small object on the right). This satellite has more than 400 active volcanoes and is constantly erupting. In these explosions, the release of various molecules, especially sulfur and oxygen, occurs. Here the secret begins after that.

As a result of the investigations, it was understood that the materials that Io hurled at hundreds of kilometers per second could not withstand Jupiter’s magnetic field and tended to slow down and move away from the planet. The electric current in Jupiter’s magnetosphere was trying to make the particles return. At this point, an electromagnetic conflict occurred, which led to an ongoing interaction between the planet and its moon.

Scientists are very satisfied with their research. Because Juno had brought important theses to the agenda until today, but it was not enough on its own. With the activation of the Hubble Space Telescope, it was understood how and according to what the brightness of the aurora on Jupiter changes. NASA official Dr. In the statements made by Scott Bolton, it was stated that Hubble and Juno are a great team.