2017 Solar Wind Compresses Jupiter’s Magnetosphere, Raising Temperatures Significantly

In an unprecedented discovery, scientists have observed a 2017 solar wind event that struck Jupiter's magnetosphere, creating a vast hot region spanning half the planet. This solar wind compressed Jupiter's magnetic shield and pushed temperatures beyond 500°C, compared to the usual 350°C, significantly altering the planet’s atmosphere. Led by James O’Donoghue of the University of Reading, the team combined data from the Keck telescope, NASA’s Juno spacecraft, and solar wind models to analyze the event. They found that such compressions might occur two to three times a month, suggesting planetary atmospheres are more susceptible to solar activity than previously thought. The study opens avenues for better understanding space weather, which holds relevance for technologies on Earth. Concurrently, a separate 2016 storm on Jupiter detailed the occurrence of slushy ammonia hailstones. These phenomena indicate dynamic atmospheric changes in giant planets, emphasizing the importance of further research in understanding our solar system and beyond.