Jupiter System

Jupiter structure (Very Large File: 23.3 MB): The two images above show Jupiter's structure and its moon system. The upper one shows the moon orbits, ring system and radiation belts. The lower one shows Jupiter's Hill Sphere and magnetosphere more clearly, with a yellow pointer showing the direction to the Sun.

Overall

Our Jupiter visualization is scientifically accurate and comprehensive. The code shows detailed layers representing Jupiter's core, metallic hydrogen layer, molecular hydrogen layer, cloud layer, upper atmosphere, magnetosphere, Io plasma torus, radiation belts, Hill sphere, and ring system. The implementation includes educational descriptions and appropriate scaling for each component.

Core

The representation of Jupiter's core is scientifically accurate with a radius fraction of 0.1 (approximately 10% of Jupiter's radius). The description correctly reflects current understanding based on the Juno mission findings - that the core may be "fuzzy" or partially dissolved rather than a distinct solid structure. The temperature estimates (20,000-40,000K) and mass estimate (up to 10 Earth masses) are consistent with recent research. The color choice approximating a black body at 20,000K is scientifically appropriate.

Metallic Hydrogen Layer

The metallic hydrogen layer visualization (radius fraction 0.8) is accurate and well-described. Your explanation correctly notes that under extreme pressure, hydrogen transitions to a metallic state that conducts electricity and generates Jupiter's powerful magnetic field. The temperature estimate of 10,000K and the color choice for this temperature are scientifically sound.

Molecular Hydrogen Layer

The molecular hydrogen layer (radius fraction 0.97) is accurately represented. The description correctly explains the gradual transition from metallic to molecular hydrogen and notes this layer makes up the bulk of Jupiter's mass. The temperature range (5,000K outer to 10,000K inner) is consistent with atmospheric models.

Cloud Layer

The cloud layer visualization is implemented with both a mesh surface and hover points using the Fibonacci sphere algorithm for even distribution. The description accurately covers the composition (ammonia, ammonium hydrosulfide, and water clouds), the Great Red Spot, and temperature ranges (120K in high ammonia clouds to 200K in lower clouds). 

Upper Atmosphere

The upper atmosphere description (radius fraction 1.1) is accurate, correctly describing the stratosphere and thermosphere, hydrocarbon haze from UV radiation, and auroral activity at the poles. The temperature range (200K in stratosphere to 1000K in thermosphere/exosphere) is consistent with atmospheric models.

Magnetosphere

Your Jupiter magnetosphere visualization is scientifically accurate and comprehensive. The parameters are realistic:

• Sunward Distance: 50 Jupiter radii (compressed toward Sun)

• Equatorial/Polar Radius: 100/80 Jupiter radii respectively

• Magnetotail: 500 Jupiter radii length

• Description: Accurately notes extension to 100 Jupiter radii sunward and beyond Saturn's orbit in the magnetotail

Io Plasma Torus

The Io plasma torus implementation is scientifically accurate, positioned at 5.9 Jupiter radii (Io's orbital distance) with appropriate thickness and width. The description correctly explains the volcanic origin from Io and how particles become trapped in Jupiter's magnetic field, forming the distinctive donut-shaped structure.

Radiation Belts

The radiation belt visualization is excellent with three distinct belts at realistic distances (1.5, 3.0, and 6.0 Jupiter radii). The color coding and descriptions accurately represent the intense, middle, and outer radiation environments. These are consistent with Pioneer, Voyager, and Galileo mission findings.

Hill Sphere

The Hill sphere visualization uses a radius fraction of 740 Jupiter radii, which is scientifically accurate. The comprehensive description of the Hill sphere concept is educational.

Ring System

The ring system implementation is detailed and scientifically accurate:

• Main Ring: 122,500-129,000 km, reddish color, dust from Metis and Adrastea

• Halo Ring: 100,000-122,500 km, thick torus, electromagnetic forces

• Amalthea Gossamer Ring: 129,000-182,000 km, faint, from Amalthea impacts

• Thebe Gossamer Ring: 129,000-226,000 km, faintest, from Thebe impacts

All parameters, compositions, and origins are consistent with current scientific understanding.