jupiter-ir-pole-2

One of the reasons we study other planets is to understand our own. One of the enduring mysteries of the gas giant planets is, where does all the heat come from? These planets are far from the sun and yet exhibit more heat (energy) than it is possible to account for by the sun. The first image is Jupiter in two different wavelengths of infrared showing hot spots at the polls. The input of energy into these gas giant planets is caused by their magnetic fields. The 2nd image is a close up of Juipiter's North Pole in IR showing just how energetic it is. The same mechanism is at work on our planet and if you are far enough North or South you can see the aurora to prove it. If you want to know what is one of the several causes for periodic warming of earth, look no further than the interaction of our magnetic field and the Sun's solar wind. What our planet lacks in field strength is counteracted by our proximity to the sun transferring energy to our ecosystem.