Bilbao, Spain – A new study has shed light on the mysterious origins of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, debunking the long-held belief that it originated from a dark spot observed in 1665 by Italian astronomer Giovanni Cassini. Recent research conducted by planetary scientist Agustín Sánchez-Lavega from the University of the Basque Country suggests that the Great Red Spot is actually a newer, younger storm that appeared in 1831, rather than being a continuation of Cassini’s “Permanent Spot.”
The “Permanent Spot” observed in the 17th century vanished from astronomers’ sight after 1713, only to be replaced by the Great Red Spot on the same latitude in 1831. Through computer simulations based on data tracking the Great Red Spot’s changes over time, Sánchez-Lavega and his team concluded that the current storm’s formation was likely caused by wind instability, resulting in the elongated atmospheric cell visible today.
Although the Great Red Spot has captivated scientists and stargazers alike for centuries, recent observations show that it is shrinking in size. In 1879, the storm measured at 24,200 miles along its longest axis, significantly larger than its current size of 8,700 miles. Sánchez-Lavega’s team plans to conduct further simulations to determine the future fate of the Great Red Spot, speculating whether it will eventually dissipate like Cassini’s “Permanent Spot” or transform into a new vortex in the centuries to come.
Published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters on June 16, the team’s findings challenge previous assumptions about the origins and longevity of Jupiter’s most iconic storm. The study not only provides valuable insights into the dynamic nature of the planet’s atmosphere but also raises new questions about the evolution of massive storms in our solar system. With ongoing research and advancements in technology, astronomers continue to uncover the mysteries of our cosmic neighbors, reshaping our understanding of the vast universe beyond Earth.