White Oval Clouds on Jupiter
Explanation:
What are those white ovals all over Jupiter? Storms!
Jupiter's
clouds can swirl rapidly in raised high-pressure
storm systems that circle the planet. The
above pictured
white ovals are located near the
Great Red Spot, and have persisted on
Jupiter since the 1930s. The
Great Red Spot has persisted for at least
300 years.
Currently, no one knows why ovals last as long as they do. White ovals are
confined to
circular belts around
Jupiter,
but can interact to cause nearby chaotic cloud regions.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
