A new study challenges a longstanding theory about the center of the gas giant.
(CN) -- A new study casts doubt on a popular theory of how Jupiter's unique core formed, suggesting that the planet's evolution may have been far more complex than previously believed.
Fifth planet from the Sun, Jupiter is famous for its aggressive storms, but its lesser-known dilute core remains a mystery. Rather than existing with sharp boundaries between materials, the planet's center instead gradually blends surrounding hydrogen and helium layers.
Scientists believed this "fuzzy" interior was created by a colossal crash with another planetary body early in Jupiter's youth, where the sheer force of the impact likely caused the gradual mixing of materials. However, new research published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society suggests otherwise.
Durham University scientists tested the collision theory by creating DiRAC COSMA supercomputer simulations of the possible planetary impacts, observing how materials may have mixed millennia ago. The simulations, operated in collaboration with organizations such as NASA, utilized a specially coded software platform designed to model high-resolution planetary collisions.
However, researchers were surprised to learn that none of the impact scenarios created a dilute core as seen in modern Jupiter. Nearly every high-impact collision resulted in materials that quickly sank and settled, creating distinct outer layers similar to the Earth's layers.
Dr. Thomas Sandnes of Durham University, lead author of the study, was fascinated by the collision simulations.
"We see in our simulations that this kind of impact literally shakes the planet to its core -- just not in the right way to explain the interior of Jupiter that we see today," said Sandnes.
With the impact theory disproven, the researchers now believe Jupiter's core may have formed gradually as the planet absorbed a combination of heavy and light elements, uniquely layering center materials over one another. This theory is backed by the fact that Saturn also has a dilute core -- two giant collision events causing unique but similar cores just doesn't seem likely.
"Giant impacts are a key part of many planets' histories, but they can't explain everything," said study coauthor Dr. Jacob Kegerris. "This project also accelerated another step in our development of new ways to simulate these cataclysmic events in even greater detail."