Infrared Auroras Discovered On Uranus, Offering A Peek Into The Planet's Mysteries

Scientists recently confirmed the presence of infrared auroras on Uranus. This discovery took about three decades of research and gives scientists insight into why Uranus, a gas giant so far away from the Sun, has such a high temperature.

Considering its distance from the Sun, Uranus is significantly hotter than it ought to be according to theoretical models. According to the study's lead author Emma Thomas, an astrophysicist from the University of Leicester, the planet's energetic auroras might be key in solving this temperature conundrum.

NASA, ESA and M. Showalter/SETI Institute; University of Leicester

Such auroras are able to generate and direct heat towards the magnetic equator, according to Science Alert.

When are auroras formed?

Auroras are formed when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in a planet's upper atmosphere. This process is most common during periods of high solar activity, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Auroras can be seen in a ring around both the North and South Magnetic Poles, and are most visible during dark nights.

Auroras have also been observed on other planets in our solar system, including Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The process of aurora formation is similar on all of these planets, but the specific appearance of auroras can vary depending on the planet's atmosphere and magnetic field.

NASA

For example, Jupiter's auroras are much brighter and more powerful than Earth's, due to Jupiter's stronger magnetic field and denser atmosphere. Jupiter's auroras can also be seen in a wider range of wavelengths, including ultraviolet and infrared.

Also read: Rare Pink Aurora Spotted In Earth's Night Skies After A Solar Storm

Saturn's auroras are also very bright and powerful, but they are not as visible to the naked eye as Jupiter's auroras, because most of their light is emitted in the ultraviolet range.

Uranus' and Neptune's auroras are fainter than Jupiter's and Saturn's, but they are still quite impressive. Uranus' auroras are also known for their intricate shapes and colors. On Venus and Mars, auroras are caused by interactions between the solar wind and the planet's atmosphere, rather than by the planet's own magnetic field. As a result, auroras on Venus and Mars are much fainter than auroras on Earth and the other giant planets.

What are auroras like on Uranus?

On Uranus, ultraviolet auroras have been observed since 1986, and scientists think there is an X-ray component in play as well. Infrared auroras (like the ones seen on Jupiter and Saturn) haven't been found on Uranus yet.

According to Thomas and team's findings, Uranus' atmosphere has infrared auroras. They examined 224 images for proof of a specific ionised particle known as H3+, whose glow intensity corresponds to temperature. It was found that H3+'s density increased without temperature change, implying upper atmosphere ionisation that points to the existence of infrared aurora.

WWMT

Also read: Scientists Discover Astonishing Aurora On Mars Never Seen Before On Any Planet

"This paper is the culmination of 30 years of auroral study at Uranus, which has finally revealed the infrared aurora and begun a new age of aurora investigations at the planet. Our results will go on to broaden our knowledge of ice giant auroras and strengthen our understanding of planetary magnetic fields in our solar system, at exoplanets and even our own planet," Thomas said.

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