Mystery Spot on Jupiter Baffles Astronomers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the recent discovery of a mysterious black spot near the equator of Jupiter, with participants speculating on its origins and implications. The scope includes observational astronomy and potential chemical reactions within Jupiter's atmosphere.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note the existence of two distinct images showing similar black spots on Jupiter, raising questions about their nature.
  • One participant recalls a previous statement made about potential reactions in Jupiter's atmosphere following impacts, suggesting that new chemicals could evolve over time due to such events.
  • Another participant humorously suggests the involvement of aliens as a possible explanation for the phenomenon.
  • There is a lament about the loss of the Galileo spacecraft, which could have provided valuable images of the spot.
  • One participant references a conspiracy theory regarding NASA's intentions towards Jupiter, indicating a mix of serious and lighthearted speculation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of speculative ideas without reaching a consensus on the nature or cause of the black spot. Multiple competing views and hypotheses are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference past events and theories without providing detailed evidence or resolution to their claims, leaving several assumptions and implications unaddressed.

Who May Find This Useful

Astronomy enthusiasts, researchers interested in planetary science, and those curious about recent astronomical discoveries may find this discussion relevant.

Ivan Seeking
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Astronomers have spotted a strange, obvious and inexplicable black spot near the equator of Jupiter. A picture of the object is circling this planet electronically as researchers scratch their heads about what they've found.

A second image, taken on another day by a different photographer, contains a similar looking spot. As of early today, the second image had deepened the mystery. Some astronomers were at first puzzled over whether the two photos show the same thing or not. As it turns out, they do not.

http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/jupiter_dark_spot_031023.html
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Originally posted by Ivan Seeking
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/jupiter_dark_spot_031023.html

Very interesting!

Some years ago while watching the Levi Shoemaker comet slamming into Jupiter I stated on the 'old PF forum boards' that there would be a possible 'reaction' inside the lower atmosphere/deep core, that would eventually surface at a later date.

New Chemicals deposited by a newly arriving body, with the energy deposited in such an impact would add some new reactants that would evolve in time.

Heard it here first :wink:
 


Originally posted by ranyart
Very interesting!

Some years ago while watching the Levi Shoemaker comet slamming into Jupiter I stated on the 'old PF forum boards' that there would be a possible 'reaction' inside the lower atmosphere/deep core, that would eventually surface at a later date.

New Chemicals deposited by a newly arriving body, with the energy deposited in such an impact would add some new reactants that would evolve in time.

Heard it here first :wink:

Forgot to add..LOCATION..LOCATION!
 
Must be them evil aliens, in hiding, preparing their attack !
 
It's full of stars...:wink:

Too bad we just ditched the Galileo spacecraft ! That would have provided great pictures.

Hmm...
 
Last edited:
Looks like the people who said NASA was going to blow up Jupiter were right :wink:. Seriously though, this is intriguing.
 

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