The ice giants Uranus and Neptune are some of the least explored planets of our Solar System. While their small size presents a challenge for observers to gleen any details, amateurs with larger telescopes are increasingly successful in producing images and sketches that show features. Photometric observations of these remote planets also provides an opportunity for amateurs to contribute to our body of knowledge about these remote planets.
Remote Planets News Headlines
Hints of Ocean at Ariel
7/25/2024
A
team of scientists led by Richard Cartwright from the Johns Hopkins
Applied Physics Laboratory has used JWST to determine that Uranus’ moon
Ariel has some of the most carbon dioxide-rich deposits in the solar
system, as well as evidence of Carbon Monoxide which should not exist at
temperatures found at the moon. All this has led to speculation that a
sub-surface ocean is helping to replenish the CO through radiolysis.
Observation Spotlight
Featured Remote Planets Images
Observer: Martin Lewis - UK
Equipment: 444mm Dobsonian, ASI290MM
A remarkable view of Uranus displaying not only all 5 of the planets moons but also the North Polar cap feature.
Equipment: 444mm Dobsonian, ASI290MM
A remarkable view of Uranus displaying not only all 5 of the planets moons but also the North Polar cap feature.