Why does Jupiter have the Great Red Spot?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A giant storm that has lasted for centuries
A giant storm that has lasted for centuries ✓ — Correct! The Great Red Spot is a massive anticyclonic storm that has been observed for over 350 years. It is about twice Earth's diameter and is slowly shrinking. Storms on gas giants can last far longer than on Earth because there is no land to break them up, and the red color may come from phosphorus or sulfur compounds rising from deeper layers.
Iron oxide dust like on Mars — Wrong. Jupiter is made mostly of hydrogen and helium, so there is no rocky surface to hold iron oxide dust. The red color likely comes from complex organic compounds formed by solar radiation.
A shadow cast by one of Jupiter's moons — Wrong. Moon shadows on Jupiter are temporary and move across the planet within hours. The Great Red Spot is a persistent feature in Jupiter's atmosphere that has been seen for centuries.
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