Astronomers Stunned as Citizen Scientists Uncover Surprising Truths About Jupiter's Clouds

A collaborative study by amateur and professional astronomers has significantly altered the understanding of Jupiter’s atmospheric clouds, which were once thought to be composed of ammonia ice. Recent findings, originally highlighted by amateur astronomer Dr. Steven Hill, suggest that these clouds actually consist of ammonium hydrosulphide mixed with smog. Published in the Journal of Geophysical Research — Planets, the study utilized Dr. Hill’s method to measure ammonia levels at Jupiter's cloud tops through commercially available telescopes.

Professor Patrick Irwin applied this method at the Very Large Telescope in Chile, using spectroscopy to analyze the gases and map cloud heights. The findings indicate that Jupiter’s clouds form at deeper, warmer pressures unsuitable for ammonia ice condensation. Instead, they are likely made of ammonium hydrosulphide with photochemical byproducts contributing to the planet's colors. The study’s innovative approach empowers amateurs to provide valuable insights into Jupiter's weather patterns, linking visible phenomena to ammonia variations. Additionally, the same methods have been applied to Saturn, revealing similar atmospheric behavior.



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