Hubble’s 10-year journey reveals changes on Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
Ten years of observations with NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope have revealed significant changes in the atmospheres of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, according to reports. These findings, collected as part of NASA’s Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy (OPAL) program, were presented at the December meeting of the American Geophysical Union in Washington, DC. The OPAL initiative has monitored weather patterns and atmospheric transformations, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of these gas giants. systems.
Jupiter’s Great Red Spot and atmospheric bands
The solar system’s largest planet, Jupiter, has revealed shifting features through the OPAL program. Reports indicate changes in the size and structure of the Great Red Spot, a colossal storm three times the size of Earth, and atmospheric phenomena within the equatorial bands. According to According to NASA data, the planet’s minimum axial tilt of three degrees results in limited seasonal variability, contrasting with Earth’s more pronounced seasonal changes caused by a 23.5 degree tilt.
Seasonal phenomena and ring activity of Saturn
Saturn’s atmospheric conditions, influenced by its 26.7 degree tilt, have reportedly been documented throughout its 29-year orbit. OPAL findings include color variations and shifts in cloud depth that correlate with the planet’s seasonal transitions. The telescope also captured the elusive dark ring spokes, which, based on data, are driven by seasonal factors. Initially identified during NASA’s Voyager missions, these phenomena now have clearer observational timelines thanks to Hubble’s contributions.
The polar brightness of Uranus increases
With its extreme axial tilt and an orbit of 84 years, Uranus has shown gradual but noticeable changes. According to research data, the Northern Hemisphere’s polar ice cap has brightened over time, in line with the approximation of a summer solstice expected in 2028. Hubble’s consistent monitoring has made these long-term observations possible.
Neptune’s storms and solar cycle link
Neptune, the farthest of the four, has revealed dark storms, including one first observed in 2018 and another documented in 2021. Based on OPAL analysis, these storms dissipate near the equator. Observations have linked Neptune’s atmospheric conditions to the solar cycle, suggesting interconnected planetary weather influences. Reports show that OPAL’s decade-long research has enriched understanding, with findings shared in more than 60 scientific publications.
