We all know that Jupiter is the biggest planet in our Solar System, and astronomers still find new things about the planet. The enormous planet was recently imaged in wavelengths beyond the limits of human vision. In infrared, its thermal emission can be seen, while in ultraviolet, colored pastels project different altitudes.
These different wavelengths show different faces of the gas giant. The National Science Foundation’s National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab) released a new image that shows how multi-wavelength astronomy will allow astronomers to understand complexities that are not visible in one wavelength.
Fascinatingly different images
All three observations were captured at the same time, at 15:41 UT on 11 January 2017. The Hubble Space Telescope took care of the optical and ultraviolet wavelengths, while the Gemini North telescope’s Near-Infrared Imager captured the ultraviolet image. The images are fascinatingly different.
Visible light shows details on the surface of its atmosphere, but the thick clouds are impossible to gauge. When viewed in infrared, streaks of gold hint at thinner regions, letting thermal energy from below the atmosphere come up.
The Great Red Spot looks vivid in ultraviolet and visible light, but disappears in infrared, only showing its outlines. However, the smaller storm called Oval BA disappears completely.
Unraveling Jupiter’s mysteries
The ultraviolet image of Jupiter will allow scientists to track the altitude and distribution of particles in the atmosphere. Higher layers appear red because they absorb ultraviolet light at high altitudes, while blue regions appear due to the reflection of ultraviolet light at lower altitudes.
Merging these images with the visible light show where the planet’s chromophores are concentrated. Astronomers have already been using such images to unravel more mysteries about Jupiter.
Recently, Hubble Space Telescope managed to observe a massive planet – PDS 70b. The planet is said to be three times Jupiter’s radius. Not just that, the mass of the giant planet is also thrice Jupiter. After observing this planet, astronomers now have an idea about how Jupiter must have formed. It might have gathered dust and gas materials while orbiting the Sun.
