James Webb Telescope Maps Uranus in 3D for the First Time; Data Reveals Hidden Storms, Methane Clouds

The James Webb Space Telescope has achieved a significant milestone by creating the first-ever 3D map of Uranus's upper atmosphere, providing unprecedented insights into the planet's environmental conditions. This groundbreaking observation extends up to 5,000 kilometers above Uranus's cloud tops, revealing vital data on temperature distributions and ion densities. Among the discoveries are the planet's striking auroras, which are influenced by its uniquely tilted magnetic field. Additionally, the findings indicate that Uranus is gradually cooling over extended periods, contributing to our understanding of its atmospheric dynamics and thermal evolution. This research not only enhances our knowledge of Uranus but also demonstrates the advanced capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope in exploring distant celestial bodies in our solar system.