Close call for Jupiter Spots

A high-resolution image taken by the Gemini North telescope on 14th July 2006 has shown both of Jupiter's large red spots passing very close to each other in the planet's southern hemisphere. The image was obtained in near-infrared light using adaptive optics technology, which corrects distortions caused by turbulence in Earth's atmosphere. The result is a view from the ground that rivals images from space.

In the near-infrared, the red spots appear white rather than the reddish colour seen at visible wavelengths.

Near-infrared image taken by the Gemini telescope in Hawaii, showing Jupiter's two red spots passing very close to each other. © Gemini Observatory

Both red spots are massive storm systems. The large one is called the Great Red Spot and has been raging on the surface of Jupiter since telescopes first studied it some 350 years ago. It is the largest hurricane known in the solar system.

The smaller storm, called Oval BA, is roughly half the size of its famous counterpart, but has winds just as strong. The new storm formed between 1998 and 2000 from the merger of three long-lived white ovals (smaller storms), and in February 2006 astronomers noticed that it had turned red.