Astronomers first spot X-rays from Uranus

Uranus is the seventh planet from the Sun with two sets of rings around the equator. A planet whose diameter is four

times larger than the Earth, rotates on its side.This distinguishes it from all other planets in the solar system. Because Voyager 2 was the only spacecraft to ever fly past Uranus, astronomers today rely on telescopes much closer to Earth. For example, they are using data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Hubble Space Telescope to learn about this distant and cold planet, which is almost entirely made of hydrogen and helium.

In a new study, scientists usedChandra observations made in 2002 and then again in 2017 . The data could only be analyzed recently. In 2002 data, astronomers found X-rays and their possible flare—15 years later.

The image below shows an X-rayA 2002 Chandra Observatory image of Uranus (in pink) superimposed on an optical image taken by the Keck Telescope in a separate study in 2004. The planet is in approximately the same orientation as it was during the 2002 Chandra observations.

Credit: X-ray: NASA / CXO / University College London / W. Dunn et al; Optics: Keck Observatory

What could have caused Uranus to emit X-raysrays? Mostly the Sun. Astronomers have noticed that both Jupiter and Saturn scatter X-ray light emitted from the Sun, similar to the Earth's atmosphere. While the authors of the new study initially expected most of the detected X-rays to be due to scattering, it is hoped that at least one other source of X-rays is present. If further observation confirms this, the concept of Uranus will change.

One possibility is thatthe rings of Uranus produce X-rays themselves, as is the case with the rings of Saturn. Uranus is surrounded by charged particles - electrons and protons - in nearby outer space. If these energetic particles collide with the rings, they can make them glow in X-rays. Another possibility is that at least some of the X-rays come from the auroras on Uranus. Previously, this phenomenon was observed at other wavelengths.

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