Posted on Jul 11, 2021
Scientists finally solve mystery of Jupiter’s spectacular X-ray auroras
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Scientists have solved the decades-long mystery over how Jupiter produces regular-as-clockwork auroras of X-ray light.
The X-rays are part of the gigantic planet’s bursts of visible and invisible light triggered by charged ion particles interacting with its atmosphere.
A similar phenomenon occurs on Earth, which creates the aurora borealis – also known as the Northern Lights – that is seen during the colder months in the northernmost countries.
The X-rays are part of the gigantic planet’s bursts of visible and invisible light triggered by charged ion particles interacting with its atmosphere.
A similar phenomenon occurs on Earth, which creates the aurora borealis – also known as the Northern Lights – that is seen during the colder months in the northernmost countries.
Scientists finally solve mystery of Jupiter’s spectacular X-ray auroras
Posted from independent.co.uk
Science
Space
Astronomy
Posted 3 y ago
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The scientists found that the X-rays were triggered by regular vibrations in Jupiter’s magnetic field lines that surround the planet in vertical loops that connect from its north pole to its south pole.
These vibrations create waves of plasma – ionised gas – that send heavy ion particles “surfing” along the magnetic field lines until they smash into the planet’s atmosphere, and release colossal amounts of energy in the form of X-rays.
The X-ray bursts were produced every 27 minutes in the scientists’ observations.
Pretty amazing!
These vibrations create waves of plasma – ionised gas – that send heavy ion particles “surfing” along the magnetic field lines until they smash into the planet’s atmosphere, and release colossal amounts of energy in the form of X-rays.
The X-ray bursts were produced every 27 minutes in the scientists’ observations.
Pretty amazing!
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