Figure 36.20 Jupiter.

This processed color image of Jupiter was produced in 1990 by the U.S. Geological Survey from a 1979 Voyager image. The colors have been enhanced to bring out detail. Zones of light-colored, ascending clouds alternate with bands of dark, descending clouds. The clouds travel around the planet in alternating eastward and westward belts at high speeds. Tremendous storms as big as Earthly continents surge around the planet. The Great Red Spot (oval shape toward the lower left) is an enormous storm that drifts along its belt, eventually circling the entire planet. (NASA/USGS)

---

Note: This figure has opened in an external window.
To return to the Planetary Geology Essay, click this window's close box.
Do not use your browser's "Back" button.

---