What is the temperature on uranus
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Temperature on Uranus: An Overview
Upper Atmosphere Temperature of Uranus
The upper atmosphere of Uranus exhibits a high temperature of approximately 750 kelvins. This temperature is primarily observed in the upper levels of the atmosphere, which are composed mostly of atomic and molecular hydrogen. The ultraviolet spectrum of Uranus' sunlit hemisphere is dominated by emissions from atomic and molecular hydrogen, known as electroglow emissions, which contribute to the high temperature observed.
Effective Temperature of Uranus
The effective temperature of Uranus, which is a measure of the planet's overall thermal emission, is around 58 K. This value has been confirmed through various observations and model atmosphere calculations . The effective temperature is relatively close to the equilibrium temperature, which is about 58.2 K, indicating that Uranus has a minimal internal heat source compared to other giant planets like Jupiter .
Stratospheric and Tropospheric Temperatures
The stratospheric temperature of Uranus has been found to be warmer than expected, with a mean temperature around 95 K, and exhibits significant variations . Observations have shown that the stratosphere has a nonisothermal feature with a maximum temperature around the 8-microbar pressure level. Additionally, the upper troposphere of Uranus, observed through thermal imaging, shows temperature variations of up to 3 K across the disk, consistent with previous measurements.
Seasonal and Spatial Temperature Variations
Uranus experiences significant seasonal variations in temperature due to its axial tilt of approximately 90 degrees. These variations cause the effective temperature to fluctuate by about 5 K at the poles and 0.5 K at the equator over its 84-year orbital period. Despite these seasonal changes, the meridional distribution of upper-tropospheric and lower-stratospheric temperatures has remained relatively constant over time.
Conclusion
In summary, the temperature on Uranus varies significantly across different atmospheric layers and regions. The upper atmosphere reaches temperatures as high as 750 K, while the effective temperature is around 58 K. The stratosphere and upper troposphere exhibit notable temperature variations, influenced by both seasonal changes and atmospheric dynamics. These findings highlight the complex thermal structure of Uranus and the need for continued observations to fully understand its atmospheric behavior.
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