Why Uranus and Neptune Are Different Colors | NOIRLab's Gemini North Telescope

Why Uranus and Neptune Are Different Colors | NOIRLab's Gemini North Telescope

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.

Images and Video: International Gemini Observatory/National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab)/Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (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

Release Date: June 1, 2022

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