Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: GlentoranMark on 22/01/2011 09:41:08

Title: Why are the bands on Jupiter so prominent?
Post by: GlentoranMark on 22/01/2011 09:41:08

I've read that Jupiter is mostly Hydrogen and Helium so why are it's clouds so colourful?

Title: Why are the bands on Jupiter so prominent?
Post by: Ophiolite on 22/01/2011 17:00:21

You are correct, but the key is in the word mostly. A variety of compounds have been detected in Jupiter's atmosphere including hydrogen sulphide, water, ammonia, methane, acetylene and various other simpled compounds. (Hydrogen cyanide has also been detected, but this is thought to be as a consequence of the Shoemaker-Levy cometary impact and will dissipate within a few decades.)Some of these compounds condense at various altitudes and form clouds and haze that are responsible for the banding we see on the planet.