– Scientists may have solved the mystery of Uranus’ unusually weak radiation belts, which are around 100 times weaker than expected based on observations from Voyager 2 in 1986.
– The research suggests Uranus’ asymmetric and tilted magnetic field is causing “traffic jams” for particles circulating the planet in its radiation belts.
– Simulations showed Uranus’ complex magnetic field shape warps the structure of its proton radiation belts, compressing particles in some areas and dispersing them in others, akin to traffic jams.
– Researchers believe Voyager 2 may have passed through an area of weaker radiation intensity due to this effect, explaining its unexpected readings from 1986.
– Verifying this theory could help inform future missions to Uranus, like a proposed 2030 flagship NASA mission, to better understand the ice giant planet with its unique magnetic field configuration.
– Understanding phenomena on strange planets like Uranus that differ from other worlds could expand knowledge of planetary science. More data is needed to fully solve the mystery of its radiation belts.
Source: SPACE
