NASA suggests 4 moons of Uranus may hold hidden oceans, check details

NASA scientists have discovered in a new study that there can be water in the four large moons of Uranus. The new findings suggest that the 4 moons of Uranus may have deep oceans beneath their ice-capped surfaces.

The scientist re-analyzed the data from the Voyager-2 spacecraft which flew around Uranus in the 1980s and cutting-edge computer models. This led to the new study which suggests that four of Uranus' largest moons - Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon - may contain vast, deep oceans. This groundbreaking study is the first to discuss the evolution of these moons, their interiors, and their composition.

Earlier studies had suggested that these moons could not retain the internal heat to maintain and since the gravitational pull of Uranus provided only a minor source of heat. The scientists believed that Titania which is 980 miles (1,580 kilometres) would be most likely to retain internal heat caused by radioactive decay. The other moons were considered too small, hence the possibility to retain internal heat was eliminated.


However, a new study by NASA claims that there can be oceans on the four moons of Uranus.

Here is what NASA said on Twitter:

Uranus’s moons can retain internal heat

According to the computer models of the researchers, the moons of Uranus can retain internal heat by itself. The study suggests that the surface of the moons is insulated enough to maintain the internal heat required for an ocean. The study further said that the oceans in the moons are likely filled with ammonia and chlorides which act as an anti-freeze for oceans. However, NASA scientists will delve further into the composition of the atmosphere of Uranus moons to get a better understanding.

FAQs

Q1:Is there life on Uranus?
There is no scientific evidence about life on other planets. However, a recent study suggests that there can be oceans on Uranus’ moons.

Q2:How many moons does Uranus have?
The seventh planet from the sun and the coldest planet in the solar system, Uranus has 27 known moons.