The number and location of Jupiter’s circumpolar cyclones explained by vorticity dynamics

The Juno mission observed that both poles of Jupiter have polar cyclones are surrounded by a ring circumpolar (CPCs). north pole holds eight CPCs and the south possesses five, with rings positioned along latitude ~84° N/S. Here we explain location, stability number Jovian establishing primary forces act on them, which develop because vorticity gradients in background cyclone. In meridional direction, varies owing to planetary sphericity presence zonal adjacent ring. Our analysis successfully predicts for poles, according size spin respective Moreover, can hold cyclones, whereas Saturn currently cannot. match between theory observations implies vortices regions giant planets largely governed barotropic dynamics, movement other at high latitudes is also driven interaction vorticity. Vorticity gradient force balance explains location Jupiter’s absence Saturn, calculations.