Jupiter vs Saturnus Storms: Why the Clouds Look Different
Why Jupiter Has many Storms While Saturn Has One
Despite similar size and gaseous composition, Jupiter and Saturn exhibit strikingly different weather patterns at their poles. A recent study from scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has now revealed why Jupiter possesses eight small swirling storms, while Saturn has only one massive, hexagonal vortex.
The research, forthcoming in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, offers new insights for researchers seeking to understand the interiors of these gas giants.
Gas Harshness is Key
Through complex simulations, the research team discovered that the configuration of swirling storms is highly dependent on the ”harshness” or density of the gas at the base of the vortices. The ”softer” or lighter the gas in the lower layers, the smaller the vortices that form, allowing for multiple storms to emerge together, as seen on Jupiter.
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