Using a decades-old technique, amateur astronomer Steve Hill has uncovered new insights into Jupiter’s atmosphere, challenging long-held assumptions. With standard telescopes and spectral filters, Hill discovered that the gas giant’s main cloud layers are not composed of ammonia ice as previously believed. His collaboration with professional researchers sheds light on the complex chemical and atmospheric processes at work on Jupiter.
By Sadie Watkins
Reviving Classic Methods for New Discoveries
Hill employed a technique from the 1970s to analyze light reflected from Jupiter’s atmosphere. By comparing absorption bands at 619 nm (methane) and 647 nm (ammonia), he created a detailed map of ammonia distribution above Jupiter’s cloud tops. The data revealed that the light originates from deeper atmospheric layers, where pressure and temperatures are too high for ammonia to condense—contradicting earlier models suggesting the upper clouds are composed of ammonia ice.
A New Model for Jupiter’s Clouds
The findings suggest that Jupiter’s clouds are likely composed of ammonium hydrosulfide or smog produced by photochemical reactions in the atmosphere. In most regions, ammonia appears to be destroyed by photochemistry faster than it can be transported upward, leaving pure ammonia ice clouds limited to areas of rapid convection. These results highlight the intricate chemical processes driving Jupiter’s atmospheric dynamics.
Professional Validation and Broader Applications
Hill’s observations were validated using advanced data from NASA’s Juno mission, ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT), and the Very Large Array (VLA). This confirms the findings and extends the applicability of the technique to other planets, such as Saturn, where similar results indicate cloud layers deeper than previously estimated. These studies open new pathways for understanding atmospheric processes across gas giants.
Implications for Planetary Research
Hill’s collaboration with professional scientists underscores the value of combining amateur and professional efforts to advance space exploration. Even seemingly simple observations can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and expand our understanding of planetary systems. This research provides fresh approaches to studying the weather and atmospheric chemistry of Jupiter and other gas giants.
These findings offer a new perspective on the dynamic processes shaping Jupiter’s atmosphere.
Based on content from www.scinexx.de and own research.