02.25.23
Jupiter’s Inhomogeneous Gaseous Envelope
Jupiter, a gas giant of hydrogen and helium, harbors clues about the history of our solar system. The key to deciphering those clues lies is in the amount and distribution of “heavy elements”, those trace elements heavier than helium.
Before Juno, very little was known that could constrain the heavy element distribution within Jupiter.
Juno demonstrated that the heavy elements are distributed unevenly in its interior. Scientists are now studying formation and evolution models that can explain this important Juno discovery.
Before Juno, very little was known that could constrain the heavy element distribution within Jupiter.
Juno demonstrated that the heavy elements are distributed unevenly in its interior. Scientists are now studying formation and evolution models that can explain this important Juno discovery.
Jupiter's Dilute Core
Miguel et al, Jupiter's inhomogeneous envelope, A&A 662, A18 (2022) https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202243207
Download a PDF of this Science Finding post here.