Posted on 06/17/2017 3:13:05 PM PDT by kosciusko51
We hear a lot about Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, and that’s because we have extremely fancy hardware floating around and, in some cases, cruising on the surface of those planets. The planets that lie further away from the Sun don’t get nearly as much attention, but they may soon, as NASA is currently spitballing some missions that will give us a better look at Uranus than we’ve ever gotten.
The theoretical missions, which would see NASA spacecraft heading to both Uranus and Neptune, would be of huge scientific benefit. The idea is to determine what the planets are made of, get an idea of the atmospheric composition, and take lots of fantastic photographs, too. Researchers hope to study the weather and overall climate of the planets, while determining how they fit into the overall makeup of our Solar System.
Both Uranus and Neptune still hold many secrets yet to be revealed, and the proposed missions would include both flybys and an orbiter that would send an atmospheric probe to Uranus in order to sample its gasses and detect elements. A similar option exists for Neptune, though the actual details of the mission(s) would need to be fully fleshed out before it comes anywhere near a formal proposal.
The missions are still a long way from reality, both in funding and in timeframe. NASA says that 2030 through 2036 would be feasible for a Uranus trip, while a Neptune mission would need to take place before 2030 or after 2040, due to the timing of a gravity-assisted boost around Jupiter.
PS: Yes, I am snickering at the headline like a teenager.
I’m only here for the comments.
for the comments = = =
no comment from me.
NASA will have to buy me dinner first.
You're in luck
Sincerely,
Too much 3 bean casserole for lunch
So the little child, hearing the headline asked, “do they mean grandpa?”
I thought we had Greys for that?
If they wait a few minutes they’ll find it with me. No probing necessary.
The Klingons will attack.
From “Futurama”
Fry: Did you build the Smelloscope?
Professor Hubert Farnsworth: No, I remembered that I’d built one last year. Go ahead, try it. You’ll find that every heavenly body has its own particular scent. Here, I’ll point it at Jupiter.
Fry: Smells like strawberries.
Professor Hubert Farnsworth: Exactly. And now, Saturn.
Fry: Pine needles. Oh, man, this is great... hey, as long as you don’t make me smell Uranus.
Leela: I don’t get it.
Professor Hubert Farnsworth: I’m sorry, Fry, but astronomers renamed Uranus in 2620 to end that stupid joke once and for all.
Fry: Oh. What’s it called now?
Professor Hubert Farnsworth: Urrectum. Here, let me locate it for you.
Fry: No, no, I, I think I’ll just smell around a bit over here.
Bring some Northern for the Klingons.
The B&M baked beans and brown bread just produced a whole lotta methane....
Thank heavens for Glade
They’ll not probe my anus for gas!
Na.....too easy!
Sounds painful.
That is a headline that never should have been written!
Like the man said (well almost)
I may not know what porn is but when I see it, I can recognize it.
..snicker...
I don't care how much they'll pay, I will not go to Uranus!
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