This provided a pyrotechnic show of unbelievable proportions. The impact of the comet's fragments released massive plumes of gas into Jupiter's atmosphere, emitting huge fireballs and leaving scarring behind. One of the largest fragments impacted Jupiter with a force of 6 million megatons of TNT and produced a plume about 1,500 miles high and 5,000 miles wide. It left a dark discoloration larger than Earth. This picture was taken by Peter McGregor at the Mount Stromlo and Siding Observatories on July 18, 1994.
Every effort is made to post the latest weather information.
However, occasions arise when access may be difficult. If you depend on weather information for mission critical use, read the full notice about accessing National Weather Service information via the Internet, as well as our privacy statement . The NWS is an Equal Opportunity Employer that promotes diversity in the workplace.