Why does Jupiter change its stripes? Scientists may finally have the answer

two infrared photos of jupiter showing the planet's cloud bands in shades of red and orange.

When you picture Jupiter, you probably see a planet with orange and reddish bands and the famous Great Red Spot staring at you like a giant eye. 

But did you know those famous bands are ever-changing in size, color and location? Every four to five years, Jupiter changes its stripes, and ever since Galileo Galilei observed them in the 17th century, scientists have wondered why.