Bright flash spotted on Jupiter; video released
Scientists have been looking into a brilliant flash in Jupiter's atmosphere after an amateur astronomer in Japan recorded it. The unnamed astronomer emailed Dr. Ko Arimatsu, a Kyoto University astronomer, according to a report published by The New York Times (NYT) on Friday, September 15. After getting the email, Dr. Arimatsu requested more details.
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Six additional reports of the August 28 flare, one of the brightest ever seen on Jupiter, were forwarded to Arimatsu. These flashes are brought on by asteroids or comets from the outer solar system striking Jupiter's atmosphere.
Arimatsu claimed via email that even with the most sophisticated telescopes, direct observation of these bodies was practically impossible. The astronomer noted that Jupiter is a special and essential instrument for studying these objects directly since Jupiter's gravity draws in these particles, which ultimately collide with the planet.
The Effects of the Past
Strong collisions onto Jupiter are currently much more uncommon, although they do happen, according to the NYT study. A comet hit the globe in 1994 with such energy that a visible debris field was left behind. In 2009, there was still another effect.
Eight of the nine flashes observed on Jupiter since 2010 have been recorded by amateur astronomers, according to Dr. Arimatsu. He underlined the value of modest astronomical endeavours.
According to his first calculations, the August 28th flash this year had an impact similar to that of the Siberian Tunguska explosion in 1908, which scientists believe was caused by an asteroid and destroyed 800 square miles of forest.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What did an amateur astronomer in Japan observe on Jupiter?
A1: The amateur astronomer in Japan observed a brilliant flash in Jupiter's atmosphere and recorded it.
Q2: How did the amateur astronomer in Japan communicate their observation to scientists?
A2: The amateur astronomer emailed Dr. Ko Arimatsu, a Kyoto University astronomer, to report their observation.
Q3: What did Dr. Ko Arimatsu do upon receiving the email about the flash on Jupiter?
A3: Dr. Ko Arimatsu requested more details from the amateur astronomer and began investigating the observation.
Q4: How many additional reports of the August 28 flare on Jupiter were forwarded to Dr. Arimatsu?
A4: Six additional reports of the August 28 flare were forwarded to Dr. Arimatsu.
Q5: What typically causes these flashes or bright events in Jupiter's atmosphere?
A5: These flashes in Jupiter's atmosphere are typically caused by asteroids or comets from the outer solar system striking Jupiter's atmosphere.
Q6: Why is Jupiter considered an essential instrument for studying these objects directly?
A6: Jupiter's gravity draws in particles from space, including asteroids and comets, which can collide with the planet. This makes Jupiter a crucial tool for studying these objects directly.
Q7: Are strong collisions onto Jupiter common events?
A7: Strong collisions onto Jupiter are currently less common, although they do happen.
Q8: Can you provide an example of a notable collision event on Jupiter?
A8: In 1994, a comet hit Jupiter with such energy that it left a visible debris field. This was a notable collision event on Jupiter.
Q9: Who has recorded most of the flashes observed on Jupiter since 2010?
A9: Eight of the nine flashes observed on Jupiter since 2010 have been recorded by amateur astronomers.
Q10: What impact did Dr. Arimatsu's calculations suggest the August 28th flash had on Jupiter?
A10: Dr. Arimatsu's initial calculations suggested that the August 28th flash had an impact similar to that of the Siberian Tunguska explosion in 1908, which scientists believe was caused by an asteroid and resulted in the destruction of 800 square miles of forest.