Posted on 05/31/2022 1:16:59 PM PDT by BenLurkin
The most distant planets from the sun in our solar system, Neptune and Uranus have similar sizes, masses and atmospheric conditions. Looking at the the two planets side by side, which was made possible after NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft flew by them in the 1980s, Neptune has a bright blue appearance. Uranus is a paler shade of cyan blue.
Astronomers used the Gemini North telescope and NASA Infrared Telescope Facility, both in Hawaii, and the Hubble Space Telescope to create a model that could match up observations of Neptune and Uranus.
The scientists determined that an excess of haze builds up in Uranus' atmosphere, which gives it a lighter appearance. This haze is thicker on Uranus than a similar atmospheric layer on Neptune, so it whitens the appearance of Uranus from our perspective.
Without this haze in either planetary atmosphere, astronomers believe both planets would be almost identically blue. A study detailing the findings published Tuesday in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets.
New observations from the Gemini North telescope, located near the summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii, were paired with other archival telescope data. The team analyzed three layers of aerosols at different heights on Uranus and Neptune. The middle layer of haze particles is what impacts the color the most.
On both planets, the middle layer is where methane ice turns into methane snow showers. Neptune has a turbulent atmosphere that is more active than Uranus' slow, sluggish one, so the methane particles and snow showers prevent a haze from building up on Neptune.
Scientists believe this model could also help explain why dark spots appear on Neptune, but are less common on Uranus. It's likely due to the fact that the deepest atmospheric layer darkens, which would be more visible on Neptune.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
Unless you live a Brokeback Mountain type lifestyle.
So many jokes....
Neptune is sad because no one says jokes about it.
If Uranus is blue.......oh forget it...it’s to easy
UK health authorities have issued new monkey pox warnings, and it’s affecting all the planets.
Just kidding for the Democrat voters. Neptune is further away. LOL
Amazing what scientists find.
No comment.🤐
Because Jupiter just broke up with her.
I hear there a lot of monkeys these with two tone, black and blue. Poor moneys.
You spell almost as bad as I do bro. Lol!
So predictable.... I wish to apologize to all the Uranians who may be monitoring our broadcasts.
I do have an excuse... My staff of proof readers, editors, and linguists are still off for the holiday.
Slow Joe said they’re valiantly fighting against the Russians.
Never thought my anus had a hint of blue other than lint.
Tgiving and Xmas must be a beeoch!
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