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UNIVERSITY OF BUCHAREST
FACULTY OF PHYSICS Guest
2024-11-22 1:50 |
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Conference: Bucharest University Faculty of Physics 2018 Meeting
Section: Atomic and Molecular Physics. Astrophysics. Applications
Title:
Monitoring the Great Red Spot, the largest anti-cyclone in our Solar System
Authors:
Elisabeta PETRESCU (1), Adrian ȘONKA (2,1), Mirel BÎRLAN (3,4)
*
Affiliation:
1 "Vasile Urseanu" Astronomical Observatory
2 Bucharest University, Faculty of Physics
3 IMCCE, Paris Observatory
4 Astronomical Institute of the Romanian Academy
E-mail
elisabetaa.petrescu@gmail.com
Keywords:
Planetary science, Jupiter atmosphere
Abstract:
Planet Jupiter shows the largest known hurricane in the Solar System. The Great Red Spot was first seen in 1610 by Galileo Galilei. Since then, its position and size have been monitored by different means, through drawings /sketches, photographic plates, and now with the help of dedicated planetary cameras.
Jupiter's atmosphere is mainly composed of hydrogen and helium. Minor elements, such as ammonia, methane and sulfuric acid are also detected. The atmosphere is hundreds of kilometers thick and the visible layers can reach even 10 km.
The atmosphere is constantly moving. Because of the internal energy of the planet, vertical phenomena are forming from the interior of the planet to the cosmic space, often occur in the form of large cyclone and anti-cyclone storms. By observing the planet and capturing images, we determined the size of the Great Red Spot and its drift in time.
A campaign of observations of Jupiter between 2003 and 2018 was organized, during which images in red, green and blue (RGB) colors were acquired, using instruments between 150 – 500 mm in diameter, and electronic high-speed FPS detectors (planetary cameras).
The results show the dynamics and movement of the Great Red Spot in the atmosphere, as well as the size changes through the years.
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