The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is poised to embark on an exploration of the dazzling light displays on two of our solar system’s giants, Uranus and Saturn. Two teams of astronomers from the University of Leicester will be diving into the captivating phenomena known as the Northern and Southern Lights on Earth as they study auroras of both of these planets.
Auroras, also known as the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) and Southern Lights (aurora australis), are natural light displays that predominantly occur in polar regions, although they can sometimes be observed at lower latitudes during periods of heightened solar activity. These breathtaking phenomena typically manifest as colourful curtains, arcs, or waves of light dancing across the sky.
Henrik Melin from the University of Leicester School of Physics and Astronomy, who will lead the investigation on Uranus, expressed his excitement, stating, “I am thrilled to have been awarded time on this remarkable observatory, and this data will fundamentally shape our understanding of both Saturn and Uranus.”
A recent discovery confirmed infrared auroras around Uranus, sparking questions about its unusually high temperature.
Emma Thomas, a Ph.D. student at the University of Leicester, pondered, “The temperature of all the gas giant planets, including Uranus, are hundreds of degrees Kelvin/Celsius above what models predict if only warmed by the sun, leaving us with the big question of how these planets are so much hotter than expected.”
“One theory suggests the energetic aurora is the cause of this, which generates and pushes heat from the aurora down towards the magnetic equator,” she added.
The JWST study of Uranus will commence in early 2025 and will capture images over a single day to map auroral emissions across its magnetic field. The investigation will aim to uncover the sources of charged particles responsible for Uranus’ auroras.
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Simultaneously, the JWST will focus on Saturn’s northern auroral region, led by scientist Luke Moore from Boston University. By monitoring Saturn’s atmospheric energies, the team will unveil the origins of its mesmerising light displays. Both studies will employ the JWST’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) instrument to get insights into these celestial phenomena.
Thomas said, “A majority of exoplanets discovered so far fall in the sub-Neptune category and hence are physically similar to Neptune and Uranus in size. This may also mean similar magnetic and atmospheric characteristics too.”
“By analysing Uranus’s aurora, which directly connects to both the planet’s magnetic field and atmosphere, we can make predictions about the atmospheres and magnetic fields of these worlds and hence their suitability for life,” she added.
(With inputs from agencies)
Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
