Jupiter Loses a Belt

Jupiter, the largest planet in our Solar System, has mysteriously lost its southern equatorial belt. The belt is typically seen as a dark band just above the great red spot.

Jupiter, Before and After Anthony Wesley

While this event is not unusual - it happens roughly once every 15 years - it did, on this occasion, occur while Jupiter was on the far side of the Sun and hidden from view. This meant when it recently reappeared in the skies their was a marked difference in its appearance that caught astronomers by surprise.