Jupiter’s surrounding space is among the most unique in our solar system, and the plasma present is equally remarkable, exhibiting unprecedented wave patterns.

Robert Lysak, from the University of Minnesota, explores Aurora phenomena. These captivating displays of green and blue light on Earth are accompanied by nearly undetectable ultraviolet rays near Jupiter’s poles.

To comprehend the auroras on this distant planet, it’s vital to grasp the intricacies of the plasma that generates these lights—a mix of charged particles and atomic components that envelopes the planet. Insights gathered from NASA’s Juno spacecraft have led Lysak and his team to identify that Jupiter’s Auroral Plasma resonates with a novel type of wave.

This newly identified wave is a combination of two well-characterized types of plasma waves: the Alfven wave, which arises from the motion of charged particles, and the Langmuir wave, which corresponds to electron movement. Lysak points out that since electrons are much lighter than charged particles, these two kinds of waves typically oscillate at vastly different frequencies.

However, the environment near Jupiter’s poles possesses conditions ideal for both waves to oscillate together. This is enabled by the low density of the plasma in that region and the strong magnetic field exerted by the planet.

“The plasma characteristics observed are truly unique when compared to those in other parts of our solar system,” states John Leif Jorgensen at the Institute of Technology Denmark. With Juno’s data uncovering new wave patterns, he believes we can learn more about the magnetic attributes of distant exoplanets by looking for similar signals.

Juno is currently in orbit around Jupiter, with Lysak noting that if its mission is extended, it could provide unparalleled insights into the giant planet and its complexities. This mission, however, is one among several that may face cuts due to proposed NASA budget reductions.

“Discontinuing missions while they are yielding valuable data would be a significant setback for our field,” concludes Lysak.