Figure 12-15: RIVUXG R I V U X G
Aurorae on Jupiter and Saturn These images combine visible wavelengths of the planets, and ultraviolet light from the aurorae. On both Jupiter and Saturn, charged particles from the magnetosphere are funneled onto the planet’s magnetic poles. When the particles collide with and excite molecules in the upper atmosphere, the molecules emit ultraviolet light. In (b), a large disturbance in the solar wind approaching Saturn coincided with the brightening of the aurora in the middle image of the three.
Aurorae on Jupiter and Saturn These images combine visible wavelengths of the planets, and ultraviolet light from the aurorae. On both Jupiter and Saturn, charged particles from the magnetosphere are funneled onto the planet’s magnetic poles. When the particles collide with and excite molecules in the upper atmosphere, the molecules emit ultraviolet light. In (b), a large disturbance in the solar wind approaching Saturn coincided with the brightening of the aurora in the middle image of the three.
(a: J. Clarke, University of Michigan, and NASA; b: NASA/Hubble/Z. Levay and J. Clark)