Jupiter's Collisions
The Juno mission has provided detailed measurements of Jupiter’s gravitational field, from which information about its internal structure can be obtained. Several models that fit the measurements suggest that the planet has a dilute (fuzzy) core (a core that does not have a sharp boundary in terms of composition and density), with heavy elements extending to nearly half of Jupiter’s radius. It is currently unknown how this dilute core has formed, but one hypothesis is that the collision between a large planetary embryo and the proto-Jupiter could have mixed the heavy elements of the core into the mantle. Shown is a temperature slice from a simulation with 1 billion particles of an oblique collision between proto-Jupiter and a 10 Earth-Mass impactor.
Credit: Thomas Meier, UZH, Dept. of Astrophysics
Are you interested in this topic?
Researchers at the University of Zurich are studying the role of collisions during planet formation, such as the group of Prof. Dr. Joachim Stadel at the Department of Astrophysics. In parallel, the group of Prof. Dr. Ravit Helled's group (also at the Department of Astrophysics) is focused on giant planet interiors, atmospheres, and their history of giant impacts. In addition, Prof Dr. Helled is involved with deep space missions such as NASA's JUNO spacecraft.
Are you a student that wants to learn more about Jupiter and other giant planets? Consider enrolling in the following courses:
AST 241: Introduction to Astrophysics (Fall Semesters)
AST 245: Computational Astrophysics (Fall Semesters)
AST 514: Planet Formation (Spring Semesters)