Global Warming

Watch: Jupiter's "Northern Lights" have an unexpected effect on the planet

by Jennifer Walter
NASA/JPL-Caltech/Bertrand Bonfond

NASA via Giphy

Jupiter’s atmosphere is hot. Surprisingly hot, considering the planet is over five times as far from the Sun as Earth is.

So how does it maintain steamy upper atmospheric temperatures of around 800 degrees Fahrenheit?

Dubbed the “energy crisis” on Jupiter, scientists have puzzled over this question for decades. Now, they might have a solid answer.

NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS
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