Which of the following best why we see horizontal "stripes" in photographs of Jupiter and Saturn?
A) The light stripes are regions of high clouds, and the dark stripes are regions where we can see down to deeper, darker clouds.
B) The dark and light stripes correspond to alternating bands of different chemical composition.
C) There are three different color stripes corresponding to the three different types of clouds found on these planets.
D) Dark stripes are those in which there is a stratosphere and light stripes are those with no stratosphere.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The horizontal "stripes" on Jupiter and Saturn are caused by the alternating bands of high clouds (light stripes) and deeper, darker clouds (dark stripes). The high clouds reflect more sunlight and appear lighter, while the darker clouds are more opaque and absorb more sunlight, making them appear darker. This creates the distinct banded appearance seen in photographs of these gas giants. Choice B is incorrect because the stripes are not determined by different chemical compositions. Choice C is also incorrect because there are more than three types of clouds on these planets. Choice D is incorrect because the presence or absence of a stratosphere does not determine the appearance of the cloud bands.

Which of the Following Best Why We See Horizontal "Stripes