Astronomers Detect Entirely New Type of Plasma Wave Above Jupiter’s North Pole

Astronomers Detect Entirely New Type of Plasma Wave Above Jupiter’s North Pole

Plasma waves are a critical element to understanding the many mysteries of the gas giant’s turbulent, magnetically powerful atmosphere, the researchers say.

Jupiter is Emitting Unknown Waves—Astronomers Are Stunned By The Latest Discovery

NASA’s Juno spacecraft has detected a previously unknown type of plasma wave above Jupiter’s north pole, revealing an unexpected interaction between different types of charged particles in the planet’s magnetosphere. The discovery, detailed in Physical Review Letters, is one of the most unusual plasma behaviors ever observed in our solar system and may help scientists better understand not only Jupiter’s intense auroras but also the magnetic env…