OPS7

The gas giants Jupiter and Saturn have complex atmospheres where jet streams, convective storms and variable weather patterns interact at multiple spatial and temporal scales, and where solar radiation, magnetosphere interaction and particle precipitation drive energetic auroras and vigorous dynamics, leading to changes in composition and temperature.

At the same time, understanding the internal structure and evolution of these planets is essential to place atmospheric processes into a broader physical context. Recent results from missions such as Juno and Cassini have provided new constraints on the deep interiors of Jupiter and Saturn, highlighting the strong coupling between interior structure, atmospheric dynamics, and magnetic field generation.

Analysing these atmospheric variations, as well as the properties of the clouds and hazes that cover both planets, allow the exploration of the fundamental mechanisms governing gas giant atmospheres. Key questions focus on the structure of the overall atmospheric circulation, distribution and transport of energy, vertical structure of the clouds, role of convection, and how the upper atmosphere and ionosphere affect the chemistry and dynamics of the lower atmosphere and troposphere, among others. In addition, comparative studies of these planets contribute to advancing our knowledge of the behaviour of exoplanetary atmospheres and serve to establish links with scenarios of formation and evolution of gas giant atmospheres.

This session welcomes contributions addressing both atmospheric and interior processes in Jupiter and Saturn, with particular emphasis on observations (from recent and ongoing planetary missions and from the ground), dynamics, chemistry, vertical structure, clouds and hazes, auroras, interior structure and composition, and modelling. Studies exploring interior–atmosphere interactions, dynamo processes, and planetary evolution are especially encouraged.

Comparative studies and connections with exoplanetary science are also welcome, in order to place Jupiter and Saturn in a broader planetary context. Abstracts discussing new research on past missions such as Cassini, ongoing missions like Juno, future observations from missions such as JUICE, and ground-based and space-based facilities are also encouraged.