Astro-Porn of the Day: Jupiter's Southern Equatorial Belt has vanished

Holy disappearing belts, Batman! It turns out that one of Jupiter's major features — its South Equatorial Belt (south is at the top in the photos below) — is gone. Why? Astronomers have no idea, but theorize that intense storm activity is hiding it. They also have no idea how long the belt will remain invisible.


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What a disappointment for astronomers: This is a particularly beautiful feature to observe in a telescope. On the other hand, seeing the newly nekkid world is a rare treat. Because this isn't the first time this has happened, scientists expect the South Equatorial Belt to return one day. Still, in the immortal words of Keanau Reeves, "Whoah."

Chris