SMRTR Science & EngineeringMay 14, 2025Live Science

James Webb telescope reveals 'impossible' auroras on Jupiter that have astronomers scratching their heads

SMRTR summary

Scientists used the James Webb Space Telescope to observe Jupiter's auroras on Christmas Day 2023, revealing rapidly-changing light patterns. The study found that a key molecule, H3+, lasts about 2.5 minutes in Jupiter's atmosphere, providing insights into atmospheric heating and cooling. Unexpected brightness patterns were observed, prompting further research to understand Jupiter's complex auroral processes.

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