Hubble Telescope: Over the last ten years, NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has continuously observed the outer planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. As part of NASA’s Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy program, Hubble has documented dramatic atmospheric changes on the gas giants. The new findings, announced at the American Geophysical Union’s December meeting, provide new insights into far-flung weather systems.
Jupiter’s Great Red Spot and Atmospheric Bands
Hubble’s observations reveal significant changes in Jupiter’s iconic Great Red Spot and equatorial bands. This massive storm, three times Earth’s size, has shown alterations in shape and intensity over the years. Despite Jupiter’s minimal axial tilt of only three degrees, which limits seasonal variation, the planet’s dynamic atmosphere keeps transforming. Hubble’s continuous monitoring highlights how fast-changing cloud patterns reshape Jupiter’s weather systems.
Saturn Seasonal Phenomena and Ring Dynamics
Saturn’s 26.7-degree tilt of its axis causes drastic seasonal changes in its 29-year-long orbit. Hubble has imaged the dramatic changes in Saturn’s cloud formations, where observable color changes and storm development correspond to the changing of seasons. The reappearance of dark ring spokes that had been seen during the Voyager missions was also captured by Hubble. Those dark spokes seem to be connected with the changes in Saturn’s seasons, bringing more insight into the dynamic of its rings.
Brightening of Uranus’ Polar Cap
Uranus, tilted at an unbelievable 98 degrees, exhibits extreme seasonal variations during its 84-year orbit. Hubble has monitored for a decade and has witnessed an intensifying polar cap in the northern hemisphere. It brightens at the same time that Uranus draws closer to its next summer solstice in 2028. Hubble observations have given us a very rare view of the evolving weather on the planet, which is very slow because of its distance from the Sun.
Neptune’s Dark Storms and Solar Cycle Link
Neptune, the farthest planet from the sun, has an atmosphere that is full of dark storms. Hubble captured a huge storm in 2018 and another in 2021. These storms move towards the equator of Neptune before they dissipate, indicating unique atmospheric behavior. It is interesting to note that Hubble’s observations reveal a relationship between Neptune’s atmospheric activity and the solar cycle. This fascinating relationship implies that there are deeper, interrelated weather patterns that span across the solar system.
Advancing Scientific Literacy Through Continued Observation
NASA’s OPAL program has enhanced planetary science with more than 60 published research articles. Constant observation of the outer planets by Hubble has created unparalleled datasets that have helped in exploring long-term changes within the atmospheres. Therefore, the ten-year heritage of the program underlines the strength of continued observation in space as a factor for the discovery of mysteries of other worlds.
Read more Hubble Telescope : Extreme Temperatures in FU Orionis
