The Great Red Spot on Jupiter is a mysterious vortex that has been observed for centuries. The debate surrounding its lifetime and formation continues, with historical observations leading researchers to question the origins of the spot. Recent numerical simulations suggest that the spot may have formed from a disturbance between two opposing jet streams on Jupiter. This challenges previous theories of the spot forming from vortex merging or a superstorm. The evolution of the spot’s size and motion indicates that it is distinct from an earlier dark oval observed in the same location. This research sheds new light on the complexities of this iconic feature on Jupiter.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2406.13222