Posted on 07/04/2018 9:22:32 AM PDT by EdnaMode
You might be aware of one of Uranus complexities: It spins on its side, and its moons orbit on that same rotated plane. New evidence strengthens the case that Uranus was smashed in a giant collision, resulting in its sideways orientation to its orbital plane and perhaps explaining some of the planets other mysteries.
A new paper performs a series of simulations on Uranus early in its history, taking note of what an early impact may have done to its rotation rate, atmosphere, and internal structure. The impact could have left a clear signature still visible inside the planet we see today.
Uranus really is strange. Not only does it rotate on an axis that sits at a 98-degree angle to its orbital plane, but, unlike the other giant planets, it doesnt appear to release more heat than it receives from the Sun. Its magnetic field, too, appears warped compared to the Earths. An impact could perhaps help explain some of these strange traits.
Scientists have been simulating giant impacts into Uranus since the early 1990s, according to the new paper published in the Astrophysical Journal. This time around, researchers built a new simulation with the newest and best available data of the planets composition. This allowed them to model how a giant impactor, perhaps one to three times the mass of Earth, would have deposited material and energy inside Uranus and how much debris would be left over, from which moons could form.
This study provides some great new insights into what might have happened all those billions of years ago, with material left over from the impact possibly even serving to trap some of that heat inside, Leigh Fletcher, Royal Society Research Fellow at the University of Leicester who was not involved in the study told Gizmodo.
But this is just a simulation, and like we always say: All models are flawed, but some are interesting. Models cant tell us exactly what happened; it will take a lot more data to fully understand Uranus story. Of course, what we really need next is an ambitious robotic mission to explore Uranus and its diverse satellite system, said Fletcher. Gravitational, atmospheric, and magnetic field mapping, following what weve done at Jupiter with Juno, and at Saturn with Cassini, could provide some new clues to better constrain these models, by unlocking the secrets of an ice giant interior for the first time.
Uranus is truly a mystery. Will humans finally take up the task to explore it?
Pride week...
Obama was doing actual live testing.
Yeah, I used to have a doctor like that. Ham-fisted, with hands like a prize fighter.
Ouch!
I guess it was a pretty big story. :D
Clickbait for gays
What is a question one should never ask in jail or prison.
What are you in here for?
Did Something Massive Smash Into Uranus?
https://gizmodo.com/did-something-massive-smash-into-uranus-1827315511
Lol! Chode buddy ya do it to me every time, the funniest guy on FR, no one gets you, your and acquired taste, but I do!!!
‘Did Something Massive Smash Into Uranus?”
Gee, been feeling pretty good lately.
Obama! I thank god that we found the remedy to the hemorrhoid Kenyan.
“Did you jump?”
“Well, a little at first”.
Michael Moore going in the back door?
Not my anus, but maybe George Takais
The headline could have been taken from the front page of the Advocate.
I didn't notice any bleeding. Thanks EdnaMode.
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If so, you need to stay out of San Francisco!
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