Image for Great Red Spot (Jupiter)

Great Red Spot (Jupiter)

The Great Red Spot on Jupiter is a massive, persistent storm larger than Earth, existing for at least 350 years. It’s an anticyclonic circulation—meaning the winds rotate around high-pressure centers—producing fierce, constant winds that can reach speeds of about 432 km/h (268 mph). Its distinctive reddish color may result from chemical reactions involving complex organic molecules, possibly brought up from the planet’s deeper layers by the storm’s cycle. The spot’s immense size and longevity make it one of the most striking features in the solar system’s atmospheric phenomena, providing valuable insights into Jupiter’s turbulent, dynamic atmosphere.