A novel classification of plasma wave phenomena has been identified within the auroral regions overlying Jupiter’s northern magnetic pole, extrapolated from observational data furnished by NASA’s Juno spacecraft.
This image combines an image taken with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope in the optical and observations of the Jovian aurora in the ultraviolet. Image credit: NASA / ESA.
“While the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope has provided us with certain infrared imagery of the aurora, Juno represents the inaugural probe to maintain a polar trajectory around Jupiter,” stated Dr. Ali Sulaiman, an investigator affiliated with the University of Minnesota.
“The extramospheric expanse surrounding celestial bodies possessing a significant magnetic field, such as Jupiter, is permeated by plasma—an exceedingly heated state of matter wherein atomic constituents dissociate into electrons and ions.”
“These energetic particles are then propelled towards the planetary atmosphere, inducing luminescence in the constituent gases, which manifests as an aurora.”
“On our terrestrial planet, this phenomenon is discernible as the familiar green and azure atmospheric lights.”
“Conversely, Jupiter’s auroral emissions are generally imperceptible to the unaided human eye and are exclusively detectable through the utilization of instruments operating in the ultraviolet and infrared spectra.”
The comprehensive examination undertaken by the research consortium indicated that the exceptionally sparse density of Jupiter’s polar plasma, coupled with its formidable magnetic field, results in plasma wave oscillations characterized by an extremely low frequency, a manifestation hitherto unobserved in proximity to Earth.
“Although plasma exhibits fluid-like characteristics, its behavior is concurrently modulated by its intrinsic magnetic fields and external magnetic influences,” commented Professor Robert Lysak of the University of Minnesota.
“Furthermore, our investigation illuminates how Jupiter’s intricate magnetic field facilitates the influx of particles into the polar cap region. This contrasts with Earth, where auroral activity typically delineates a toroidal configuration encircling the polar cap.”
“It is our anticipation that additional data will be acquired as Juno progresses through its operational lifespan, thereby substantiating further scholarly endeavors into this novel atmospheric phenomenon.”
The research outcomes, meticulously detailed by the investigative team, were formally disseminated on July 16, 2025, within the esteemed pages of the periodical Physical Review Letters.
_____
R.L. Lysak et al. 2025. New Plasma Regime in Jupiter’s Auroral Zones. Phys. Rev. Lett 135, 035201; doi: 10.1103/fn63-qmb7
