James Webb Looks at the Rings Around Uranus

In the second image Webb has taken of Uranus this year NASA added additional wavelength coverage to the instrument for a more detailed look at the rings of Uranus , the image also turned out to be a family portrait as they caught the 27 known moons of the Ice Giant as they orbit the Planet.

The polar cap appears to become more prominent when the planet’s pole begins to point toward the Sun, as it approaches solstice and receives more sunlight. Uranus reaches its next solstice in 2028, and astronomers are eager to watch any possible changes in the structure of these features. Webb will help disentangle the seasonal and meteorological effects that influence Uranus’s storms, which is critical to help astronomers understand the planet’s complex atmosphere.

Because Uranus spins on its side at a tilt of about 98 degrees, it has the most extreme seasons in the solar system. For nearly a quarter of each Uranian year, the Sun shines over one pole, plunging the other half of the planet into a dark, 21-year-long winter.

With Webb’s unparalleled infrared resolution and sensitivity, astronomers now see Uranus and its unique features with groundbreaking new clarity. These details, especially of the close-in Zeta ring, will be invaluable to planning any future missions to Uranus.
webbtelescope.org...

a reply to: gortex

The pervert!

I think by the time we get to Uranus, we'll be close to traveling at the speed of light. I can't see us putting trillions of dollars into a multi-year mission to get to Uranus...as fascinating as the planet is. imo, We're not going until it's easy.

a reply to: gortex

James Webb - board certified proctologist?

a reply to: gortex

On a more serious note, I wonder why the Earth has only one officially identified moon, when other planets in the Solar System seem to have more?

originally posted by: chr0naut
I wonder why the Earth has only two identified moons,

TWO? When did the second one show up?

originally posted by: FlyersFan

originally posted by: chr0naut
I wonder why the Earth has only two identified moons,

TWO? When did the second one show up?

I just checked, we lost it again:

2020 CD3

a reply to: gortex

what there are rings around uranus and klingons to?
next they'll be roids spotted on it.

Thanks Gortex.

What a cool pic and view. It almost looks like a beacon that says 'Hey look over here there is something going on here in this quadrant of space'.

a reply to: gortex

Giggity

2nd

a reply to: chr0naut

Because they are much bigger?

originally posted by: Oldcarpy2
a reply to: chr0naut

Because they are much bigger?

Definitely the larger outer planets have more moons, but some dwarf planets also have moons, so size is not the only factor.

I suspect that it relates to orbital period, distance from the Sun, and size in combination.

It should probably fall out of the orbital mechanics math, I think. I'll make up a table and see if I can see some sort of ratio trends.

I love ringed planets. The fact that Uranus has the unusual axis to its ring has always fascinated me and today I learned it has 26 moons.

Now I'm curious about their names.

a reply to: gortex

Well... If they are into that sort of thing.

No judgement from me.

Do what you like.

What an awesome image.

a reply to: gortex

How Rude of James Webb

a reply to: gortex

Just gorgeous! Really breath taking.

originally posted by: chr0naut
a reply to: gortex

The pervert!

LOL


www.msn.com...

a reply to: gortex

Did they spot any Clingons circling Uranus ,,,,,,,????

Gortex ! GASP what an Inappropriate OP .

Are the rings around uranus from sheet on the toilet seat?