ROANOKE, Va. – NASA’s James Webb telescope has been releasing awe-inspiring images of space since July of 2022.
Most recently published were the extremely detailed images of Uranus, from its seasonal polar cap to its rings to several of its moons.
NASA says the imagery released in the 1980s by Voyager 2 showcased what’s only seen on visible wavelengths.
Infrared wavelengths from the Webb telescope imagery reveal much more about this icy planet.
Contrary to Earth’s 23.5° tilt relative to the sun, Uranus is tilted at an angle of 98°. That means the seasons are extreme.
The Administration says, “For nearly a quarter of each Uranian year, the Sun shines over one pole, plunging the other half of the planet into a dark, 21-year-long winter.”
The next solstice for the icy planet won’t be until 2028.