Jupiter is experiencing storms larger than Earth, which could threaten the planet's unique features (photo).

Two massive white thunderstorms have been observed in Jupiter's Southern Equatorial Belt, one of the two enormous reddish-brown bands encircling the planet's equator in different hemispheres. Scientists believe that these storm clouds could lead to a change in the color of the Southern Equatorial Belt and may even result in its "disappearance," according to Live Science.

Astrophotographer Michael Carrer captured stunning new images of Jupiter, showcasing two thunderstorms appearing as white spots within the gas giant's Southern Equatorial Belt. This southern reddish-brown band, similar to the Northern Equatorial Belt, surrounds the region near Jupiter's equator and consists of clouds that shift as the planet rotates on its axis. Researchers think these white storm clouds could alter Jupiter's overall appearance.

The exact width of the thunderstorms remains unknown, but scientists suggest they are so large that Earth could easily fit inside them with room to spare. According to astronomer John Rogers from the British Astronomical Association, the last time such gigantic thunderstorms were observed on Jupiter was eight years ago.

The white thunderstorms are not large enough to persist in the same form as the famous Great Red Spot on Jupiter. Rogers noted that these storm clouds will eventually break apart over time. When this happens, their white hue will blend with the brownish-red color of the rest of the Southern Equatorial Belt. Thus, yet another famous feature of Jupiter will "disappear," as it will lose its familiar color. The photographs indicate that this process has already begun, as several thin white streaks extend from the thunderstorms.

Astronomers have previously observed changes in the color of Jupiter's Southern Equatorial Belt between 1973 and 1991, when similar thunderstorms altered the appearance of this band. It also changed, albeit briefly, in 2010. Scientists are currently unable to determine whether the emergence of new thunderstorms will lead to a change in Jupiter's overall look and cause one of its equatorial bands to "disappear."

The thunderstorms on Jupiter are created through convection or the mixing of gases within the planet's atmosphere, producing lightning. While lightning on Earth often appears blue due to the presence of water vapor in storm clouds, on Jupiter, lightning is typically green due to the presence of ammonia in the clouds.

Jupiter was at its closest point to Earth on December 6, when Earth was nearly in a straight line between the gas giant, the largest planet in the Solar System, and the Sun. As a result, Jupiter is currently bright enough to be seen not only through telescopes but also with the naked eye over the next few weeks.