Cosmoview Episode 45: Gemini North Telescope Helps Explain Why Uranus and Neptune Are Different Colors

Astronomers may now understand why the similar planets Uranus and Neptune are different colors. Using observations from the Gemini North telescope, the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility, and the Hubble Space Telescope, researchers have developed a single atmospheric model that matches observations of both planets. The model reveals that excess haze on Uranus builds up in the planet’s stagnant, sluggish atmosphere and makes it appear a lighter tone than Neptune. 

Credit:

Images and Videos: International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/J. da Silva/NASA /JPL-Caltech /B. Jónsson, J. Pollard, E. Mastroianni, ESA/Hubble, M.Kornmesser.
Image Processing: M. Zamani (NSF’s NOIRLab)
Music: Stellardrone — Airglow

About the Video

Id:noirlab2211a
Release date:May 31, 2022, 8 a.m.
Related releases:noirlab2211
Duration:01 m 12 s
Frame rate:29.97

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