Juno Spacecraft Measurements of Jupiter's Gravity Imply a Dilute Core

The Juno spacecraft measured Jupiter's gravity field and determined the even and odd zonal harmonics, J ( n ), with unprecedented precision. However, interpreting these observations has been a challenge because it is difficult to reconcile the unexpectedly small magnitudes of the moments J (4) and J (6) with conventional interior models that assume a large, distinct core of rock and ice. Here we show that the entire set of gravity harmonics can be matched with models that assume an ab initio equation of state, wind profiles, and a dilute core of heavy elements that are distributed as far out as 63% of the planet's radius. In the core region, heavy elements are predicted to be distributed uniformly and make up only 18% by mass because of dilution with hydrogen and helium. Our models are consistent with the existence of primary and secondary dynamo layers that will help explain the complexity of the observed magnetic field.

Automated summary

The Juno spacecraft's measurement of Jupiter's gravity field and its harmonics has provided new insights into the planet's interior structure. The study suggests that the small values of certain harmonics can be explained by assuming the presence of a dilute core of heavy elements distributed throughout the planet, along with a new equation of state and wind profiles.