Nghe TOEFL

🎧 Bản ghi âm

Narrator: Listen to part of a lecture in an astronomy class. Professor: Now, let's talk about the Great Red Spot on Jupiter. For centuries, astronomers have observed this massive storm, which is larger than Earth. But what causes its reddish color? Recent studies suggest that the color may come from a complex chemical process involving ammonia and hydrocarbons, which are broken down by sunlight in the upper atmosphere. The storm's swirling winds, which can reach speeds of up to 430 miles per hour, stir these chemicals, creating the distinctive hue. Interestingly, the color varies from deep red to pale pink, and scientists think this variation might be linked to the storm's intensity. When the storm is more active, it pulls up darker material from deeper layers, making the spot appear redder. Conversely, when it calms, the spot fades. Understanding this process not only helps us learn about Jupiter but also about weather patterns on other planets, including exoplanets with similar atmospheric conditions.