Webb maps the mysterious upper atmosphere of Uranus
Phys.org
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
For the first time, an international team of astronomers has successfully mapped the vertical structure of Uranus's upper atmosphere using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. This groundbreaking study reveals how temperature and charged particles vary with altitude across the planet, providing new insights into its atmospheric dynamics. By leveraging Webb's advanced NIRSpec instrument, which captures near-infrared spectra, the researchers observed Uranus over nearly a full rotation, detecting the faint glow emitted by molecules in the upper atmosphere. This achievement marks a significant milestone in our understanding of Uranus and its complex atmospheric conditions.
The study focused on measuring variations in temperature and charged particle distribution at different heights above Uranus's cloud deck. These measurements were made possible by Webb's ability to detect the weak emission from molecules like methane, which are present in trace amounts but play a crucial role in shaping the planet's atmosphere. By observing Uranus over such a long period—nearly 11 hours, covering nearly one full rotation—the team was able to capture a comprehensive view of its upper atmosphere, including how these conditions change with altitude.
This research not only deepens our understanding of Uranus but also provides valuable context for studying other ice giants like Neptune. The findings reveal that the temperature structure in Uran
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/19/2026