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🪐intro to astronomy review

Great Dark Spot

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The Great Dark Spot was a large, dark storm system observed in the atmosphere of Neptune by the Voyager 2 spacecraft in 1989. This prominent feature was akin to the Great Red Spot seen on Jupiter, and provided valuable insights into the dynamic weather patterns of the gas giant planets.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Great Dark Spot was observed in Neptune's southern hemisphere and was approximately the size of the Earth.
  2. The storm system was characterized by high-speed winds, with wind speeds estimated to be over 1,500 mph (2,400 km/h).
  3. The Great Dark Spot was likely a result of the complex atmospheric dynamics on Neptune, including the Coriolis effect and the planet's rapid rotation.
  4. Similar to the Great Red Spot on Jupiter, the Great Dark Spot was a long-lived feature, persisting for several years before eventually dissipating.
  5. The study of the Great Dark Spot and other weather phenomena on Neptune has provided valuable insights into the atmospheric dynamics of the gas giant planets.

Review Questions

  • Describe the physical characteristics of the Great Dark Spot observed on Neptune.
    • The Great Dark Spot was a large, prominent storm system observed in the atmosphere of Neptune by the Voyager 2 spacecraft in 1989. It was approximately the size of the Earth and was characterized by high-speed winds, with wind speeds estimated to be over 1,500 mph (2,400 km/h). The Great Dark Spot was likely a result of the complex atmospheric dynamics on Neptune, including the Coriolis effect and the planet's rapid rotation, which influenced the formation and behavior of this large-scale weather feature.
  • Explain how the study of the Great Dark Spot and other weather phenomena on Neptune has contributed to our understanding of the atmospheric dynamics of gas giant planets.
    • The observation and study of the Great Dark Spot and other weather systems on Neptune has provided valuable insights into the atmospheric dynamics of the gas giant planets. By analyzing the characteristics and behavior of these features, such as their size, wind speeds, and longevity, scientists have gained a better understanding of the complex interplay of factors that shape the weather patterns on these distant worlds. This knowledge, in turn, has helped to elucidate the underlying principles governing the atmospheric dynamics of gas giant planets, including the role of the Coriolis effect, the influence of rapid planetary rotation, and the overall complexity of these dynamic systems.
  • Discuss the significance of the Great Dark Spot in the context of the study of planetary atmospheres and how it relates to the broader understanding of the Giant Planets.
    • The discovery and study of the Great Dark Spot on Neptune was a significant milestone in the exploration and understanding of planetary atmospheres. As a prominent, long-lived storm system akin to the Great Red Spot on Jupiter, the Great Dark Spot provided valuable insights into the atmospheric dynamics of the gas giant planets. By examining the characteristics and behavior of this feature, scientists were able to gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay of factors that shape the weather patterns on these distant worlds, including the role of the Coriolis effect, rapid planetary rotation, and the overall turbulence and energy transfer within their atmospheres. The study of the Great Dark Spot and other weather phenomena on Neptune has, in turn, contributed to the broader understanding of the Giant Planets, their formation, and the processes that govern their atmospheric evolution, ultimately enhancing our knowledge of the diversity and complexity of planetary systems in the Solar System.