SPACE — Astronomers from the University of Leicester confirm
for the first time the presence of infrared aurora on the outermost planet, cold Uranus. The discovery could reveal the mysteries behind the magnetic fields of the planets in our solar system, and even whether those distant worlds might support life.
A team of scientists supported by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) has obtained the first measurements of infrared (IR) aurora on Uranus since investigations began in 1992. Meanwhile, Uranus’ ultraviolet (UV) aurora has been observed since 1986. However, no IR aurora have been observed yet. was never confirmed until scientists published their new discovery in the journal Nature Astronomy, yesterday.
The ice giants Uranus and Neptune are unusual planets in our solar system. Because the magnetic field is not parallel to the rotation axis. Although scientists have yet to find an explanation for this, they suspect it could be answered if Uranus’ auroras are confirmed.
Auroras are caused by high-energy charged particles, which are channeled downward and collide with the atmosphere through the planet’s magnetic field lines. On Earth, the most famous result of this process is the appearance of the dancing Northern Lights and Southern Lights.
Also read: Terrifying, volcanic eruption on Jupiter’s moon produces giant aurora
On planets like Uranus, whose atmosphere is dominated by a mixture of hydrogen and helium, these auroras will emit light outside the visible spectrum and in wavelengths such as infrared (IR).
The team used the Keck II telescope’s infrared aurora measurements
by analyzing the specific wavelengths of light emitted by the planet.
From there, they analyzed the light (known as emission lines) from the planets, similar to a bar code. In the infrared spectrum, the lines emitted by charged particles called H 3 + will vary, their brightness depending on how hot or cold the particles are and how dense the atmosphere is. Therefore, these lines act like a thermometer for the planet.
Their observations showed a marked increase in H3+ density in Uranus’s atmosphere with slight changes in temperature, consistent with ionization caused by the presence of infrared auroras. This will not only help researchers better understand Uranus’s magnetic field, but also identify other planets suitable for supporting life.
The study’s lead author, Emma Thomas, said the temperatures of all the gas giant planets, including Uranus, were hundreds of degrees Kelvin/Celsius above model estimates if they were only warmed by the sun. The question is why are the planets so much hotter than expected? One theory is that energetic auroras are the cause.
“Energetic auroras generate and push heat downward towards the magnetic equator,” said the PhD student at the University of Leicester’s School of Physics and Astronomy.
Also Read: 10 Unique Facts about Aurora Borealis, the Mysterious Northern Lights
Emma said that most of the exoplanets discovered so far fall into the sub-Neptune category because physically, their size is similar to Neptune and Uranus. It is also possible that their magnetic and atmospheric characteristics are also similar.
“By analyzing Uranus’ auroras which are directly connected to the magnetic fields and atmospheres of these two planets, we can make predictions about their atmospheres and magnetic fields and their suitability for life,” he said.
He stressed that their paper was the culmination of 30 years of aurora studies on Uranus. Ultimately, they uncovered infrared auroras and began a new era of aurora investigation on the planet.
2023-10-27 14:33:00
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