Posted on 09/06/2024 12:35:03 PM PDT by MtnClimber
Explanation: Ringed ice giant Neptune lies near the center of this sharp near-infrared image from the James Webb Space Telescope. The dim and distant world is the farthest planet from the Sun, about 30 times farther away than planet Earth. But in the stunning Webb view, the planet's dark and ghostly appearance is due to atmospheric methane that absorbs infrared light. High altitude clouds that reach above most of Neptune's absorbing methane easily stand out in the image though. Coated with frozen nitrogen, Neptune's largest moon Triton is brighter than Neptune in reflected sunlight, seen at the upper left sporting the Webb telescope's characteristic diffraction spikes. Including Triton, seven of Neptune's 14 known moons can be identified in the field of view. Neptune's faint rings are striking in this space-based planetary portrait. Details of the complex ring system are seen here for the first time since Neptune was visited by the Voyager 2 spacecraft in August 1989.
For more detail go to the link and click on the image for a high definition image. You can then move the magnifying glass cursor then click to zoom in and click again to zoom out. When zoomed in you can scan by moving the side bars on the bottom and right side of the image.
šŖ š š š
In my heart Pluto is still the most distant planet.
Yes, so far.
Most ghostly.
There was a period in the late 20th century when Pluto was closer to the sun than Neptune was...so Neptune was the most distant planet. (At least, the most distant one which has been discovered.)
Agreed. “Dward planet” my butt! It’s a massive insult to discoverer Clyde Tombaugh.
What a neat picture!
Huh> Please elaborate — that one flew right over my head, just like a long-ago bird that, on its fly-over, dropped an ostrich-sized “gift” on my shoulder.
Damn, and that jacket had previously made me look decent too. Heh.
That picture is in my dictionary next to the word “Smug”
Lite Brite, a ball and a Wham-o ring
Itās like looking at Christmas photos.
Liar.
To All: What is the meaning of Post #9, and how does it relate to my Post #8? I am curious.
He’s the one who got Pluto downgraded.
Aiyeee! You're absolutely right. Now I remember. That's not just a brain fart on my part, it's mental salmonella. LOL :-)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
