Astronomers Uncover Magnetic Vortices at Jupiter's Poles

Earth-sized UV-dark ovals at Jupiter's poles reveal complex magnetic and atmospheric interactions, according to new research.

Researchers from UC Berkeley identified UV-dark ovals at Jupiter's poles, appearing and disappearing seemingly at random.
These ovals, visible only in ultraviolet light, are embedded in dense hydrocarbon haze layers near the planet's auroral zones.
The study suggests these dark spots are caused by magnetically driven vortices, where Jupiter's magnetic field interacts with its ionosphere and plasma environment.
The phenomenon is more common at the south pole, with the ovals appearing in 75% of annual Hubble images, compared to rare occurrences at the north pole.
The findings, published in *Nature Astronomy*, highlight the intricate connections between Jupiter's magnetic field, atmosphere, and surrounding plasma environment.