Amateur astronomer dedicates seven months to capturing unique view of Jupiter’s massive storms
Amateur astronomer Peter Rosén has dedicated seven months of his time to compile a visually captivating video showcasing Jupiter’s massive storms. This unique project involved meticulously processing, stitching, and stacking thousands of photos of Jupiter captured by amateur planetary photographers worldwide over a three-month period. Rosén, an active participant in NASA’s Juno Mission project, utilized these amateur-submitted telescope images to create a stunning 360-degree cylindrical map of the gas giant.
The project was sparked by the emergence of a small white spot in Jupiter’s South Equatorial Belt on November 11, 2024, known as the “Mid SEB outbreak.” Following this event, another spot appeared in the North Temperate Belt on January 10, 2025, representing Jupiter’s fastest jet with speeds of up to 650 kilometers per hour. To monitor these storms effectively, Rosén established three “virtual probes” in geostationary orbit around Jupiter and enlisted fellow citizen scientists to continually capture images for analysis.
Rosén’s goal was to provide a comprehensive view of the rare massive storms erupting on Jupiter while ensuring scientific accuracy and aesthetic appeal. His animations, derived solely from real amateur photographs, serve not only to depict the storms’ behavior but also to engage individuals with varying levels of interest in astronomy. By showcasing these natural phenomena, Rosén highlights Jupiter as a laboratory for studying storm dynamics and draws parallels between the gas giant’s atmospheric processes and those on Earth.
One notable observation made through the project was the origin of Jupiter’s storms from jet streams extending thousands of kilometers deep into the planet’s atmosphere. This finding sheds light on the unique nature of Jupiter’s atmospheric dynamics, particularly in the absence of landmasses that permit storms to persist unimpeded for extended periods. For instance, the Great Red Spot, an enduring anticyclone on Jupiter, has endured for centuries, showcasing the planet’s remarkable storm resilience.
Rosén’s initiative not only contributes to the scientific understanding of Jupiter’s atmospheric phenomena but also exemplifies the value of the citizen scientist community. Through collaborative efforts with amateur astronomers worldwide, Rosén’s project sheds light on the complex interplay of Jupiter’s storms and jet streams, enriching ongoing research efforts within the Juno Mission project. As Rosén delves deeper into his findings, he plans to submit a detailed report to enhance the scientific community’s understanding of Jupiter’s storm dynamics.
In conclusion, Rosén’s innovative approach to showcasing Jupiter’s massive storms underscores the significant role that citizen scientists play in advancing scientific knowledge. By harnessing the collective efforts of amateur astronomers and leveraging their contributions, projects like Rosén’s not only enrich our understanding of planetary phenomena but also foster a sense of community and collaboration within the scientific community.