Jupiter cloud belt missing

Jupiter cloud belt missing

Scientists don't know why, but one of Jupiter's two main cloud belts has disappeared -- again.

I know this isnt any sort of crazy conspiracy or weird cutting edge science but i think its interesting. Jupiter looks strange without that cloud belt. I wonder what causes it.

Originally posted by truth?
Jupiter cloud belt missing

Jupiter looks strange without that cloud belt. I wonder what causes it.

This is what they believe may be the cause.

Orton says the belt may not be gone, just hidden under higher clouds.

"It's possible," he said on the NASA website, "that some 'ammonia cirrus' has formed on top of the SEB, hiding the SEB from view."

On Earth, NASA says, white wispy cirrus clouds are made of ice crystals. On Jupiter, the same sort of clouds can form, but the crystals are made of ammonia instead of water.

Also, the phenomena, though sporadic, isn't rare. The last time the Southern Equatorial Belt 'disappeared' was in 2007.

No biggie! But a very interesting transformation nonetheless!

IRM

But without the belt, Jupiter's pants will fall down!