Citizen Science Unveils Ammonium Hydrosulphide Clouds on Jupiter

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By Maria Sanchez
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New YorkScientists, including Professor Patrick Irwin from the University of Oxford, have discovered that Jupiter's clouds are not made of ammonia ice as previously thought. Instead, the main clouds are likely made of ammonium hydrosulphide mixed with smog-like substances. This finding is a breakthrough in understanding Jupiter's atmosphere.

Here's a brief outline of the findings:

  • Jupiter's colorful clouds are not formed from ammonia ice.
  • These clouds reside deeper in the atmosphere, where it's too warm for ammonia to condense.
  • The clouds are primarily composed of ammonium hydrosulphide.
  • A new, simple method allows amateur astronomers to help map ammonia in Jupiter's atmosphere.
  • This method challenges previous complex approaches and offers quick verification.

The discovery was sparked by Dr. Steven Hill, an amateur astronomer from Colorado, who found that observing Jupiter with commercial telescopes and special filters could map ammonia levels and cloud heights. Professor Patrick Irwin's team applied Dr. Hill's method using the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) at the European Southern Observatory in Chile. They confirmed that Jupiter’s clouds form at higher pressure and temperature levels than previously thought. This makes it impossible for these clouds to be pure ammonia ice.

Photochemical reactions, caused by sunlight, alter the chemicals in Jupiter's atmosphere. In regions where ammonia-rich air rises, the ammonia is quickly changed or mixed with other products, preventing thick ammonia ice clouds from forming. Instead, these reactions create clouds with ammonium hydrosulphide, giving Jupiter its distinct red and brown colors.

This new approach is much faster and simpler than previous methods, making it accessible to more amateur astronomers. It enables them to track changes in Jupiter’s atmosphere more frequently. These findings also extend to Saturn, showing similar cloud compositions and processes, as confirmed by observations from other space telescopes.

Citizen Science Breakthrough

The involvement of citizen science in unraveling Jupiter's cloud composition highlights how non-professionals now play an important role in astronomical research. This study demonstrates how innovative techniques developed by amateur astronomers can lead to significant scientific breakthroughs.

The key elements of this achievement include:

  • Utilization of accessible tools and techniques that can be replicated by amateur astronomers.
  • A method allowing for greater frequency of observations, connecting atmospheric phenomena with minute changes in visible weather patterns on Jupiter.
  • Validation of previously complex findings through simpler means, making the research more open and verifiable.

This collaborative effort between amateurs and professionals suggests a shift in how scientific research is conducted. It now allows for a broader range of participants. The study's implication for future research is significant, as it shows that with the right tools, amateurs can contribute valuable data. This can lead to faster and more cost-effective findings, especially when observing and tracking dynamic planetary features like Jupiter’s colorful clouds.

The discovery also opens up opportunities for citizen scientists to track changes in Jupiter’s atmosphere over time. This could enhance understanding of the planet's weather systems and contribute to broader planetary science objectives.

Moreover, the study indicates that similar techniques might be applied to other planets, like Saturn, as confirmed by similar results derived from these methods. It emphasizes the potential of citizen science to transform planetary research, making complex observations more accessible and frequent.

In summary, by demonstrating that citizen science can yield high-quality results, this finding encourages more amateurs to contribute to scientific discoveries. The process enriches the scientific community and emphasizes the blending of enthusiasm and expertise in understanding our universe.

Implications for Astronomy

This study on Jupiter's clouds has significant implications for astronomy. It highlights the power of citizen science, enabling amateur astronomers to contribute meaningfully to professional research. Several key takeaways can be drawn from this:

  • Amateur astronomers can use commercial equipment to make discoveries.
  • Simple methods can yield accurate results, democratizing space research.
  • Frequent monitoring is possible, leading to a better understanding of gas giant atmospheres.
  • Photochemical processes play a crucial role in shaping planetary atmospheres.

The finding that Jupiter's clouds are composed of ammonium hydrosulphide rather than ammonia ice changes our understanding of the planet's atmosphere. It also hints at similar processes occurring on other gas giants like Saturn. This could shift how scientists model these atmospheres and predict weather patterns.

Furthermore, the study shows that accessible technology can uncover new insights. This approach reduces the reliance on expensive, complex equipment and opens new avenues for global collaboration. Amateur astronomers can now track atmospheric changes over time, providing continuous data that was previously hard to obtain.

The research also underscores the importance of photochemical reactions. These reactions, driven by sunlight, are vital in forming the visible features of Jupiter. Understanding these processes helps scientists predict how similar reactions might occur on other planets, including those outside our solar system.

By involving the public in astronomy, this study enhances educational opportunities and promotes interest in space science. It encourages amateur astronomers to explore and innovate, strengthening the link between community enthusiasts and professional scientists. This collaboration not only broadens the scope of astronomical research but also enriches the shared knowledge about our universe.

The study is published here:

https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024JE008622

and its official citation - including authors and journal - is

Patrick G. J. Irwin, Steven M. Hill, Leigh N. Fletcher, Charlotte Alexander, John H. Rogers. Clouds and Ammonia in the Atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn Determined From a Band‐Depth Analysis of VLT/MUSE Observations. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, 2025; 130 (1) DOI: 10.1029/2024JE008622

as well as the corresponding primary news reference.

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