What phenomenon causes Jupiter's infrared glow?

The phenomenon responsible for Jupiter's infrared glow is Kelvin-Helmholtz contraction. This process involves the slow gravitational compression of the planet, which generates heat. As Jupiter continues to contract under its own gravity, the compression of its massive atmosphere produces significant amounts of thermal energy. This heat is then emitted as infrared radiation, making Jupiter appear to glow in the infrared spectrum.

Jupiter, being a gas giant, retains a considerable amount of heat from its formation and additional heat generated from this ongoing contraction. The combination of these heat sources contributes to the high internal temperatures of the planet, which are reflected in its infrared emissions. Understanding this process is key to grasping how gas giants maintain their energy balance and why they exhibit certain thermal characteristics in their atmospheres.