Researchers from the University of California conducted an in-depth analysis of thunderstorm activity on Jupiter, using data obtained from the Juno spacecraft. The scientists compared radio waves from lightning with visual observations to determine the actual strength of electrical discharges in the hydrogen atmosphere of this gas giant planet. The results showed that the average power of lightning on Jupiter is 100 times greater than similar measurements on Earth, and in some cases, the discharges can be a million times stronger than the most powerful lightning recorded on our planet.
Electrification in the atmosphere. Despite the differences in scale, the mechanics of lightning formation on Jupiter are largely similar to those on Earth, but with consideration for extreme conditions. When ice crystals and supercooled water droplets collide, which are lifted by powerful updrafts, an electric charge accumulates. However, due to the fact that the cloud layer on Jupiter is ten times thicker than on Earth, charge separation occurs over significantly larger distances. This leads to the formation of a huge potential difference, which explains the occurrence of lightning of incredible strength.
The challenges in studying Jovian storms are related to the dense clouds that hinder observations in the visible spectrum. Michael Wong, the lead researcher of this study published in AGU Advances, emphasized that the use of microwave equipment on Juno allowed overcoming this obstacle by capturing radio signals directly from the sources of lightning.
In this image taken by NASA's Juno mission, the glow from a lightning strike near Jupiter's north pole is captured. NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS
In 2021 and 2022, during moments of calm in Jupiter's northern equatorial belt, astronomers were able to isolate signals from individual "invisible superstorms." These storms last for several months, and although their clouds do not always reach great heights, the frequency of flashes in them averages three pulses per second. An analysis of more than six hundred recorded signals confirmed that even ordinary discharges on Jupiter are comparable to rare superbolts on Earth.
The Hydrogen-Based Giant's Energy
The difference in lightning strength is explained by the fundamental characteristics of the planets' atmospheres. Earth's atmosphere is primarily composed of heavy nitrogen, which facilitates the rise of moist air and creates convection. In contrast, Jupiter is dominated by light hydrogen, while water vapor is heavy. This creates a barrier to vertical air movement. For a storm to reach the upper layers, it is necessary to accumulate enormous amounts of heat.
When this occurs, the released energy triggers storms over 100 kilometers tall and extreme electrical discharges. Currently, scientists continue to study what exactly is the main factor behind such power: the chemical composition of the atmosphere or the colossal sizes of the cloud systems.
The record of lightning on Jupiter being a million times more powerful than on Earth first appeared on the K-News website.
