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Chapter 12: Problem 18

Why is Jupiter oblate? What do astronomers learn from the value of Jupiter's oblateness?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The oblateness of Jupiter, or its degree of flattening, is due to its rapid rotation and its gaseous composition which allows for redistribution of mass. From Jupiter's oblateness, astronomers can infer about its rotation speed, the distribution of mass within the planet, and insights about its internal structure and formation.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Oblateness of Jupiter

Jupiter is oblate, meaning it is flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator. This happens because Jupiter is not a solid body, but a gaseous one. When any celestial body, especially a fluid one, rotates, centrifugal force acts outwards at the equator. As a result, the equatorial parts are pushed out, causing the planet to take an oblate shape.
02

Understanding the Value of Jupiter's Oblateness

The oblateness, or its degree of flattening, can be quantified by the difference between the equatorial radius and the polar radius. And the bigger the difference, the faster the rotation. The oblateness can also provide information about the distribution of mass within the planet. If the mass is uniformly distributed, the planet should be perfectly spherical. But, if the mass is not uniformly distributed, the planet will not be a perfect sphere due to gravitational distortions.
03

What Astronomers Learn from Jupiter's Oblateness

The value of Jupiter's oblateness helps astronomers determine certain characteristics of the planet. 1) Rotation Speed: The degree of bulge correlates with the planet's rotation speed—the faster it rotates, the more oblate it is. 2) Internal Structure: The degree of oblateness can also provide clues about the planet's internal structure and the distribution of mass within the planet. By studying the oblateness, they can infer the density distribution inside Jupiter, and learn more about its inner structure and formation.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Compare the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn. Why does Saturn's atmosphere look "washed out" in comparison to that of Jupiter?

If Jupiter does not have any observable solid surface and its atmosphere rotates differentially, how are astronomers able to determine the planet's internal rotation rate?

What is the relationship between Saturn's satellite Mimas and the Cassini division?

Saturn is the most distant of the planets visible without a telescope. Is there any way we could infer this from naked-eye observations? Explain. (Hint: Think about how Saturn's position on the celestial sphere must change over the course of weeks or months.)

Describe the structure of Saturn's rings. What evidence is there that ring particles do not migrate significantly between ringlets?
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