A New Study Reveals the Makeup of Uranus’ Atmosphere

Using 20 years of data from the Hubble Space Telescope, researchers have gained new insights into Uranus’ atmosphere. The planet is mostly hydrogen and helium, with traces of methane, which gives it a pale blue-green color. Uranus is unique due to its tilted axis, causing extreme seasonal changes that last about 42 years each. The team observed its south pole darkening as it moved into winter and the north pole brightening with summer. Aerosol clouds increase with sunlight, indicating seasonal changes in atmospheric composition. This study only covers one season, and further observation is needed to fully understand Uranus’ climate.