JupiterS “Alien Aurora“: New Insights into Plasma Dynamics at the Gas Giant’s Poles
Recent research published in Physical Review letters,a highly-regarded peer-reviewed scientific journal known for its impactful contributions to physics,has revealed unique characteristics of Jupiter‘s auroral activity,leading scientists to describe them as “alien” compared to those observed on Earth. The findings stem from data collected by NASA’s Juno spacecraft during its close passes over Jupiter’s north polar region.
This marks the first time researchers have been able to apply refined data analysis to the planet’s north pole in detail,thanks to Juno’s unique polar orbit. While the James Webb Space Telescope has provided infrared images of Jupiter’s aurora, Juno is the first spacecraft to directly orbit and study the polar regions.
Jupiter, like Earth, is a magnetospheric planet surrounded by plasma – a superheated state of matter where atoms are broken down into ions and electrons. This plasma is channeled towards the planet’s atmosphere, exciting atmospheric gases and creating aurora. However, unlike Earth’s visible green and blue auroras, Jupiter’s aurora primarily emit in ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths, requiring specialized instruments for detection.
The research team,led by scientists at the University of Minnesota,discovered that the plasma at Jupiter’s poles exhibits significantly lower density and interacts with an exceptionally strong magnetic field. This combination results in plasma waves with remarkably low frequencies – a phenomenon not previously observed around Earth.”While plasma can behave like a liquid, it is also influenced by its own magnetic field and external fields,” explained Robert Lysak, a professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Minnesota and a plasma dynamics expert.
Furthermore, the study clarifies why particles are able to flood jupiter’s polar regions, unlike Earth where auroral activity is concentrated in a donut-shaped pattern around the poles. Jupiter’s complex magnetic field allows for a more widespread influx of charged particles.
The team hopes to continue gathering data as Juno continues its mission, furthering research into this newly understood phenomenon. The research, titled “New plasma Regime in the Auroral Jupiter Zone,” was published on July 16, 2025, and is available in Physical Review Letters (DOI: 10.1103/fn63-qmb7).This research was supported by funding from NASA and the National Science Foundation (NSF).
