The Great Red Spot
The Great Red Spot
This oval structure in Jupiter's southern hemisphere is the largest and longest-lasting known storm in the Solar System. It was first observed with certainty in 1831, but possibly as early as the mid-17th century. The vortex reaches 500 kilometres deep into the atmosphere at its centre. Wind speeds reach almost 700 kilometres per hour. It is not yet clear where the colouring comes from. It could be sulphur or phosphorus compounds, but also organic molecules containing carbon. The two images used to create this picture were acquired on 12 February 2019 with the camera on board NASA's Juno probe at a distance of 70,000 kilometres.
