First-Ever Detection of Infrared Aurorae on Uranus Reveals Clues about Planetary Magnetic Fields and Potential for Life

Astronomers at the University of Leicester have demonstrated, for the first time, the presence of infrared aurorae on the cold exoplanet of Uranus. This discovery could shed light on the secrets of the strange magnetic fields of our solar system’s planets, and even on whether distant worlds might support life. The team obtained the first measurements of the infrared aurora on Uranus, as indicated by the “Russia Today” website, since the start of investigations in 1992… but no confirmation of the infrared aurora has been observed so far.

This discovery not only helps to better understand the magnetic fields of the outer planets of our solar system, but also to identify other planets suitable for supporting life.