What Happened When Comet Shoemaker Levy 9 Struck Jupiter?

💡 The Answer

• In 1994, fragments of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 collided with Jupiter and were swallowed by its vast gaseous atmosphere.
• Because Jupiter lacks a rocky surface, the fragments created large dark marks in the clouds rather than impact craters.
• The intense heat beneath the Jovian cloud tops likely caused the comet pieces to melt shortly after entry.
• Due to the massive size difference, the comet's impact had no noticeable effect on Jupiter's orbital path around the Sun.