Jupiter and Saturn revealing startling new clues as to how they tick

Jupiter and Saturn revealing startling new clues as to how they tick
Juno has been orbiting Jupiter for over two years, and the latest data sent back by the spacecraft has challenged a lot of current theories about how planets in our solar system behave. (iStock)

Recent data transmitted by spacecraft studying Jupiter and Saturn are challenging researchers’ preconceived notions as to how these planets are formed.

The gravity and magnetic information relayed from the Juno and Cassini probes of the fifth and sixth planets of the solar system is “confounding” at least one researcher, reported Science Daily.


“Although there are puzzles yet to be explained, this is already clarifying some of our ideas about how planets form, how they make magnetic fields and how the winds blow,” said Caltech astronomer David Stevenson.

Cassini had been studying Saturn for 13 years before its 2017 incineration in the planet’s upper atmosphere; Juno has been circling Jupiter for more than two years and has been successful, in large part, due to its solar-powered design and ability to withstand intense radiation.

The gravity and magnetic sensors on bard Juno have also transmitted hard-to-explain data. Jupiter’s magnetic field’s spots vary wildly between the northern and southern hemispheres.

Microwave data has particularly intrigued researchers by showing that the atmosphere is evenly mixed, something previously theories did not account for.

Stevenson says fitting a microwave sensor onto Juno was a smart move.

“Using microwaves to figure out the deep atmosphere was the right, but unconventional choice,” he said.

Scientists are exploring weather events concentrating on gas, liquids and ice in different parts of the atmosphere as possible explanations.

“It’s unlike anything we have seen before,” said Stevenson.

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The gravity data also confirms there are heavier elements than the 90% mass of hydrogen and helium that make up Jupiter.