About the Object

Name: Uranus
Category: NIRCam
Solar System

Colours & filters

BandWavelengthTelescope
Infrared 1.4 μmJames Webb Space Telescope
NIRCam
Infrared 3.0 μmJames Webb Space Telescope
NIRCam

Zoomed-in image of Uranus

This zoomed-in image of Uranus, captured by Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) on 6 February 2023, reveals stunning views of the planet’s rings. The planet displays a blue hue in this representative-colour image, made by combining data from two filters (F140M, F300M) at 1.4 and 3.0 microns, shown here as blue and orange, respectively.

On the right side of the planet is an area of brightening at the pole facing the Sun, known as a polar cap. This polar cap is unique to Uranus because it is the only planet in the Solar System that is tilted on its side, which causes its extreme seasons. A new aspect of the polar cap revealed by Webb is a subtle brightening near the Uranian north pole.

At the edge of the polar cap lies a bright cloud and a few fainter extended features can be seen just beyond the cap’s edge; a second very bright cloud is seen at the planet’s left limb. Such clouds are typical for Uranus at infrared wavelengths, and are likely connected to storm activity.

[Image description: The planet Uranus on a black background. The planet appears light blue with a large, white patch on the right side. On the edge of that patch at the upper left is a bright white spot. Another white spot is located on the left side of the planet at the 9 o’clock position. Around the planet is a system of nested rings. The rings of Uranus are vertical.]

Credit:

NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, J. DePasquale (STScI)

About the Image

Id: weic2310a
Type: Planetary
Release date: 6 April 2023, 16:00
Related releases: weic2310
Size: 1268 x 1268 px


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