[PLS] Cheng Li (University of Michigan)

“Vertical Structure of Polar Vortices on Jupiter”

Jovian planets are fluid planets lacking a well-defined solid surface or an influential boundary layer. Their atmospheric dynamics are primarily driven by solar insolation, moist convection, and atmospheric waves. The ongoing Juno mission has revolutionized our understanding of giant planet dynamics by providing three-dimensional observations of Jupiter’s weather layer, using spacecraft orbits for spatial coverage and spectral instruments to probe depth.

One of the most intriguing discoveries is the presence of stable, non-merging circumpolar cyclones at Jupiter’s poles. These features stand in contrast to predictions from many shallow water models. The Juno extended mission has provided further insight, particularly through data from the microwave radiometer at the north pole, revealing new details about the vertical structure of these polar vortices.

In this talk, I will present recent Juno observations of Jupiter’s poles, discuss the structure of them and implications for their formation.

Planetary Lunch Seminar —

Colloquia topics span the range of research interests of the department’s planetary sciences research program, and the talks are intended to appeal to any graduate students, postdocs, research scientists, and faculty with a background in planetary science. Speakers include members of the MIT community and visitors.

Contact: planetary-org@mit.edu