Question

Fill in the blanks with the correct vocabulary word or words. The Great Red Spot is a giant storm on __________.

Short answer

Jupiter.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Context

Start by analyzing what the statement is referring to; the Great Red Spot is a well-known astronomical feature. It is crucial to determine if it belongs to a planet, moon, or another celestial body.

Recall Planetary Features

Recall that the Great Red Spot is commonly associated with a specific planet in our solar system known for its size and visible features.

Connect Knowledge

The Great Red Spot is a massive storm system observed on the largest planet in our solar system, which is distinct for having many bands and storms.

Select the Correct Term

Based on the above analysis, the missing term in the blank should be the name of a planet known for hosting this iconic storm.

Key concepts

Jupiter

Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system and is primarily composed of gas. It's so enormous that more than 1,300 Earths could fit inside it. Jupiter stands out not only for its size but also for its distinctive bands and numerous swirling storms.
Jupiter is mainly made up of hydrogen and helium, similar to the sun. In fact, if it had been about 80 times more massive, it could have ignited nuclear fusion and become a star.
Known as a gas giant, Jupiter doesn't have a solid surface like Earth. Instead, as you descend through its dense atmosphere, the gases become hotter and denser until they eventually transform into a liquid state under such immense pressure.

storm system

A storm system on Jupiter can be as large as twice the size of Earth. These storm systems are predominantly made up of massive amounts of swirling gas and clouds.
The Great Red Spot is the most iconic of these storms, persisting for at least 350 years. It's characterized by its reddish hue, though the exact cause of this color is still a matter of research.

• Wind speeds in the Great Red Spot can reach up to 432 km/h (268 mph).
• It's an anticyclonic storm, meaning it rotates in a direction opposite to that of Earth's storms.

What makes Jupiter's storms unique is the lack of a solid surface, leading to more extended lifespans compared to storms on Earth.

planetary features

Planetary features are distinct characteristics that help identify and differentiate planets. These features can include:

• Atmospheric composition
• Surface features like mountains, valleys, or storms
• Presence of rings or moons
• Magnetic fields

Jupiter's planetary features stand out primarily because of its striking cloud bands and prominent storms. Its most famous feature, the Great Red Spot, is a huge storm nestled among the swirling patterns created by Jupiter's atmospheric bands. The planet's rapid rotation, completing a rotation in just under 10 hours, also contributes to its oblate shape, causing the equator to bulge. This creates noticeable differences in appearance and atmospheric dynamics compared to other planets.

solar system

The solar system comprises the Sun and everything bound to it by gravity, including planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids.
Jupiter holds a crucial role as the largest planet in the solar system. Its massive gravitational pull has significant effects on nearby celestial bodies, contributing to the stability of the asteroid belt.
Occupying the fifth position from the Sun, Jupiter is part of a collection of gas giants that also includes Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

• These planets, located further from the sun, tend to have thick atmospheres and lack solid surfaces.
• They are often referred to as the outer planets because of their location beyond the asteroid belt.

Understanding Jupiter and its characteristics provides valuable insights into both planetary formation and the dynamics of our solar system.