Uranus Confirmed to Emit Internal Heat, Study Finds

A study led by University of Houston researchers has confirmed that Uranus emits internal heat, overturning conclusions from NASA's Voyager 2 flyby in 1986 that suggested otherwise. Analyses of archival spacecraft data and computer models show Uranus radiates about 12.5% more heat than it receives from the Sun, far less than the excesses measured for Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune. This residual heat is believed to be leftover from the planet's formation, and its relatively weak emission may reflect differences in Uranus's interior structure or history. The study also observed that Uranus's thermal output varies with its 20-year seasonal cycles, which may have influenced previous measurements. The research, aligning with independent studies, is expected to guide future NASA missions to Uranus. These findings also have potential implications for advancing understanding of planetary systems and Earth's atmosphere.