URANUS (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: Scientists using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have made a significant discovery in their quest for water across the solar system by detecting carbon dioxide ice on the surface of Ariel, one of Uranus's 27 moons.

Uranus

• About: It is the seventh planet from the Sun, and the third largest planet in our solar system. It appears to spin sideways.
• Position and Size: Equatorial diameter of 31,763 miles (51,118 kilometers), about four times wider than Earth.
• Unique Tilt: The planet rotates at a nearly 90-degree angle relative to its orbit, making it appear to spin on its side.
• Color: Uranus has a blue-green hue due to the presence of methane in its atmosphere, which absorbs red light and reflects blue light.
• Distance from the Sun: Located approximately 1.8 billion miles (2.9 billion kilometers) from the Sun, or about 19 astronomical units (AU). Sunlight takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes to reach Uranus.
• Day and Year Length: One day on Uranus lasts about 17 Earth hours, while a year (one complete orbit around the Sun) takes roughly 84 Earth years (30,687 Earth days).
• Moons: The planet is orbited by 28 known moons, which vary in size and composition.
• Rings: Uranus possesses two sets of rings: an inner system of nine narrow, dark grey rings and two outer rings, with the innermost being reddish and the outermost having a blue hue similar to Saturn's E ring.
• Temperature and Atmosphere: Uranus is characterized by its extremely cold temperatures and strong winds, contributing to its harsh and inhospitable conditions.

  Key Points of Discovery

  • Surface Discovery: Carbon dioxide ice has been detected on Ariel, one of Uranus’ moons.
  • Liquid Ocean Hypothesis: The presence of carbon dioxide ice hints at a possible liquid ocean beneath Ariel’s surface.
  • Carbon Dioxide Release: The underground ocean might be releasing carbon dioxide through chemical reactions, which escapes to the surface via ice cracks.
  • Field-Driven Chemistry: Uranus' magnetic field may be breaking down molecules to produce carbon dioxide on Ariel.