An Overview of Jupiter's Atmospheric Composition



This is a drawing which depicts what Jupiter's atmosphere is made of.
Click on image for full size version (12K GIF)
Jupiter's atmosphere is mostly made of the simple molecules hydrogen and helium. There is a large amount of sulfur, which combines with some of the hydrogen to form hydrogen sulfide. There is also a large amount of nitrogen, which combines with the hydrogen to form ammonia. Oxygen is also present, which combines with the hydrogen to form water.

These molecules, ammonia, ammonia hydrosulfide, and water, form clouds at different levels in the atmosphere of Jupiter. They also form hazes of smog high up in the atmosphere.


Return to atmosphere


An Overview of Jupiter's Atmospheric Composition



This is a drawing which depicts what Jupiter's atmosphere is made of.
Click on image for full size version (12K GIF)
Jupiter's atmosphere is mostly made of the simple molecules hydrogen and helium.

Sulfur is present there, as well as nitrogen and oxygen. Nitrogen and oxygen make up the air that we breath every day on Earth.

These molecules combine to make clouds of complex molecules, such as clouds of water and smog.


Return to atmosphere


A Look at what Jupiter's Atmosphere is Made of



This is a drawing which depicts what Jupiter's atmosphere is made of.
Click on image for full size version (12K GIF)
Jupiter's atmosphere is mostly made of the simple molecules hydrogen and helium.

Sulfur is present there, as well as nitrogen and oxygen. Nitrogen and oxygen make up the air that we breath every day on Earth.

These molecules combine to make clouds of complex molecules, such as clouds of water and smog.


Return to atmosphere



Last modified February 25, 1999 by the Windows Team

The source of this material is Windows to the Universe, at http://www.windows.ucar.edu/ at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). © The Regents of the University of Michigan. Windows to the Universe® is a registered trademark of UCAR. All Rights Reserved. Site policies and disclaimer