Jovian Storms

[SpideroftheAbyss]

So lighting has been observed in Jupiter's clouds, but I'd like to know if the same reactions known as "sprites" and "elves" have also been detected there? I would expect that they would be, as they seem to occur over especially energetic storms, perhaps even more extravagant than those on Earth.

 

[3488]

Hi SpideroftheAbyss,

I would expect so, in fact I would be extremely surprised if Jovian thunderstorms do not produce sprites & elves. I suspect Saturn & Neptune thunderstorms do too.

I wonder if JUNO, the upcoming Jupiter polar orbiter will detect any? Part of it's mission is to monitor jovian weather.

Several spacecraft have certainly imaged Jovian night time lightning, Voyager 1, Voyager 2, Galileo, Cassini & New Horizon all have.

Below: Jupiter night time lightning from Voyager 1. Do these storms produce sprites & elves???

Andrew Brown.