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Neptunes changing seasons
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Neptunes changing seasons
Neptunes seasons. Image 3 of 3. Hubble Space Telescope image of cloud bands on Neptune in 2002. Large white and green cloud bands are seen in the south, which could be due to the arrival of spring. Seasons on Earth are caused by its axial tilt of 23 degrees, meaning that the hemispheres receive different amounts of light at different times of the year. Neptune has an axial tilt of 29 degrees, so a similar effect could occur. One year on Neptune is 165 Earth years, so the seasonal change would be correspondingly slower. For a sequence of the clouds brightening and enlarging over six years, see images R420/087-089
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© NASA/ESA/STSCI/L.SROMOVSKY & P.FRY, UW-MADISON/ SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
2002 Atmosphere Atmospheric Changing Cloud Clouds Cosmology Hemisphere Hubble Space Telescope Neptune Planetary Season Seasons Southern Spring Spring Time Weather Brightening
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This print showcases the ever-changing seasons on Neptune, our distant celestial neighbor. Captured by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2002, this image reveals mesmerizing cloud bands adorning the planet's southern hemisphere. The large white and green formations suggest that spring might be blooming on Neptune. Just like Earth, Neptune experiences seasons due to its axial tilt of 29 degrees. This inclination causes different amounts of sunlight to reach each hemisphere at various times throughout its incredibly long year—165 Earth years to be exact! Consequently, seasonal changes occur at a much slower pace on this enigmatic gas giant. The Hubble images provide a fascinating glimpse into these atmospheric transformations over time. For an even more remarkable visual journey, one can explore a sequence of images taken over six years that depict the clouds gradually brightening and enlarging (images R420/087-089). As we delve deeper into cosmology and unravel the mysteries of our universe, studying planetary weather patterns becomes increasingly important. This awe-inspiring photograph not only highlights Neptune's unique beauty but also serves as a reminder of how interconnected our understanding of space and earthly phenomena truly is. (Image credit: Science Photo Library)
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