On which planet has a rotating oval of clouds, twice as wide as Earth, called the 'Great Red Spot been observed for more than 300 years?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Jupiter.
The 'Great Red Spot' is a persistent high-pressure region in Jupiter's atmosphere, producing an anticyclonic storm. This massive oval of clouds, significantly larger than Earth, has been observed for over 300 years, making it one of the most iconic features of Jupiter.
The spot's reddish hue is attributed to complex organic molecules, or possibly sulfur and phosphorus compounds, brought up from deeper within Jupiter's atmosphere. Its rotation, counterclockwise, is a result of the planet's powerful atmospheric dynamics.
Scientists continue to study the Great Red Spot to understand its formation, evolution, and the processes that maintain its longevity. Observations from telescopes, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the Juno spacecraft, provide valuable data on its structure, composition, and behavior, revealing insights into Jupiter's turbulent atmosphere. The spot's gradual shrinking over time is also a subject of ongoing research.