We Used 1800s Math to Solve One of Jupiter’s Biggest Mysteries

The video explores the unique cyclones on Jupiter, first observed in 1664 and tracked since the 1800s. Unlike Earth, Jupiter's storms reach the poles due to the lack of a solid surface. In 2016, Juno observed stable cyclones at Jupiter's poles, defying expectations of merging into larger storms. Scientists revisited 19th-century magnet experiments by Alfred Mayer and William Thompson to explain this stability. They adapted the math to describe cyclones' behavior, revealing that historical equations can elucidate modern planetary phenomena. Despite solving some mysteries, questions about cyclone formation and stability remain.

What hypothesis did the 2020 team propose regarding the storms on Jupiter?

What are some of the remaining mysteries about Jupiter's polar storms?

How does the historical context of scientific discoveries play a role in understanding modern phenomena?