EARTH In the literature: partially resolved

What is the radial distribution of heavy elements inside Jupiter?

In plain words

Juno's gravity measurements show Jupiter's heavy elements are spread out over a large region instead of packed into a small core. The exact profile is still poorly pinned down.

Precise statement

Determine the heavy-element mass fraction profile $Z(r)$ in Jupiter, including the radial extent of the dilute core (models range from about 0.3 to 0.6 Jupiter radii), from Juno even zonal gravity harmonics J_2n, the tidal Love number $k_{2}$ and atmospheric composition. An answer is $Z(r)$ with uncertainty bands consistent with all data and with hydrogen-helium equation-of-state uncertainty propagated.

What would settle it

Joint inversion of Juno gravity, $k_{2}$ and possible seismic normal modes with ab initio H-He equations of state.

Related problems

See also