Understanding Jupiter's Climate

Climate patterns and storms on Jupiter can have striking similarities to those on Earth. One such pattern is a four-year temperature cycle in the Jovian upper atmosphere called the QQO. This cycle has a little sibling in Earth's stratosphere that can influence the transport of aerosols and the formation of hurricanes, making it an active area of climate research. Now, scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center have developed a new model for understanding Jupiter's QQO, and it could lead to a better climate model for Earth.

Credit: NASA GODDARD