by aichip » Wed Jul 05, 2006 6:00 pm
Actually, there is no solid surface. Jupiter is fluid all the way to some indeterminate point inside the planet, perhaps where the rocky core begins.
It is possible that there is some thermal upwelling from there, but the rotation of the planet is measured using the Spot and other smaller features as a guide.
Most scientists think that the spot is some sort of cyclone or storm pattern that persists for centuries, and simulations using fluids in large rotating containers have generated such patterns. In every case where the fluid is rotated over a certain threshold speed, "eye" patterns develop. This is a good indicator that there is nothing sticking up or getting in the way of the wind patterns- a sign there is no solid material or mountains present.
It is theorized that the color is from organic molecules being dredged up from deeper in the atmosphere, and then changing color from exposure to solar ultraviolet light.
An excellent false color image of the spot is here:
http://www.solarviews.com/raw/jup/galjup2.jpgActually, there is no solid surface. Jupiter is fluid all the way to some indeterminate point inside the planet, perhaps where the rocky core begins.
It is possible that there is some thermal upwelling from there, but the rotation of the planet is measured using the Spot and other smaller features as a guide.
Most scientists think that the spot is some sort of cyclone or storm pattern that persists for centuries, and simulations using fluids in large rotating containers have generated such patterns. In every case where the fluid is rotated over a certain threshold speed, "eye" patterns develop. This is a good indicator that there is nothing sticking up or getting in the way of the wind patterns- a sign there is no solid material or mountains present.
It is theorized that the color is from organic molecules being dredged up from deeper in the atmosphere, and then changing color from exposure to solar ultraviolet light.
An excellent false color image of the spot is here: [url]http://www.solarviews.com/raw/jup/galjup2.jpg[/url]