Astronomers Achieve Breakthrough in Measuring Uranus’ Rotation Speed

Fast Summary

• Updated Rotation Period of Uranus: astronomers refined the rotation period of Uranus to 17.247864 hours, adding 28 seconds to the earlier estimate made by NASA’s Voyager 2 in 1986.
• Research methodology: Long-term Hubble observations (2011-2022) of ultraviolet aurorae facilitated tracking magnetic pole positions and achieving extreme precision.
• Significance: The improved longitude system resolves prior inaccuracies in Uranus’ coordinate systems, aiding in consistent magnetic field tracking over decades.
• Scientific Insights: Uranus’ aurorae behave unpredictably due to its tilted and offset magnetic field from its rotational axis,distinguishing it from other planets like earth or Jupiter.
• Future Implications: The findings pave the way for enhanced magnetosphere studies and upcoming missions focused on exploring Uranus further.
• Publication Source: Results published in nature Astronomy, April 2025.

Image Caption:
This image of Uranus’ aurorae was taken by Hubble on October 10, 2022. (Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / L. Lamy / L. Sromovsky)

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