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Stunning light shows in a planets atmosphere
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Stunning light shows in a planets atmosphere
Astronomers are using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to study auroras -- stunning light shows in a planets atmosphere -- on the poles of the largest planet in the solar system, Jupiter. This observation program is supported by measurements made by NASAs Juno spacecraft, currently on its way to Jupiter. Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, is best known for its colorful storms, the most famous being the Great Red Spot. Now astronomers have focused on another beautiful feature of the planet, using Hubbles ultraviolet capabilities. The extraordinary vivid glows shown in the new observations are known as auroras. They are created when high-energy particles enter a planets atmosphere near its magnetic poles and collide with atoms of gas. As well as producing beautiful images, this program aims to determine how various components of Jupiters auroras respond to different conditions in the solar wind, a stream of charged particles ejected from the sun. This observation program is perfectly timed as NASAs Juno spacecraft is currently in the solar wind near Jupiter and will enter the orbit of the planet in early July 2016. While Hubble is observing and measuring the auroras on Jupiter, Juno is measuring the properties of the solar wind itself; a perfect collaboration between a telescope and a space probe. " These auroras are very dramatic and among the most active I have ever seen", said Jonathan Nichols from the University of Leicester, U.K. and principal investigator of the study. " It almost seems as if Jupiter is throwing a firework party for the imminent arrival of Juno." Credits: NASA, ESA, and J. Nichols (University of Leicester)
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Astronomers are using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to capture stunning light shows in Jupiter's atmosphere. These breathtaking displays, known as auroras, occur at the poles of the largest planet in our solar system. Supported by measurements from NASAs Juno spacecraft, which is currently en route to Jupiter, this observation program aims to understand how different components of Jupiters auroras respond to various conditions in the solar wind. Jupiter is renowned for its colorful storms, with the Great Red Spot being its most famous feature. However, astronomers have now turned their attention to another captivating aspect of this gas giant - its vivid glows during auroras. These mesmerizing lights are created when high-energy particles collide with gas atoms near a planet's magnetic poles. The timing of this observation program couldn't be more perfect as Juno approaches Jupiter and measures properties of the solar wind itself. While Hubble captures and analyzes images of Jupiters auroras, Juno gathers data on the charged particles ejected from the sun. Jonathan Nichols from the University of Leicester describes these auroras as "very dramatic" and among the most active he has ever seen. It almost appears as if Jupiter is throwing a firework party in anticipation of Juno's arrival. This collaboration between telescope and space probe promises not only beautiful imagery but also valuable insights into one of our solar system's most intriguing phenomena.
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