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This article comes from the official account of Wechat: SF Chinese (ID:kexuejiaodian), author: SF

The magnetic field of Uranus is so strange that scientists have not given a reasonable explanation. The aurora is the equivalent of a window event from which we can learn a lot about planets and their moons. Recently, British scientists have announced that the infrared aurora of Uranus has been discovered for the first time. The study of this aurora explosion may unravel the secret of Uranus's magnetic field anomaly, as well as whether there are conditions for the existence of life on Uranus and the mechanism of the Earth's magnetic field reversal.

Recently, British scientists published an article in Natural Astronomy (Nature Astronomy), announcing the first discovery of the infrared aurora of Uranus. By analyzing the process of this aurora burst, scientists can find answers to a series of questions such as Uranus's abnormal magnetic field, high surface temperature, livable, and even the earth's magnetic field anomaly and flipping.

The unique magnetic field of Uranus among the eight planets, the existence of Uranus is very special. The difference between Uranus's axis of rotation and its plane of rotation is 98 °, and it looks like it is rolling forward. Its magnetic field is even more peculiar. The magnetic axis of Uranus differs from its rotation axis by 59 °, and the magnetic equator is not near the geographical equator, deviating from the radius of Uranus. Uranus's own position and magnetic field position are very special, and finally presents a unique measuring layer.

In 1986, Voyager 2 (Voyager II) flew over the planet (the only time a human probe flew past Uranus). The data detected by Voyager 2 may explain why Uranus's magnetic field is so special.

Using ultraviolet detection technology, several instruments on Voyager 2 detected Uranus's aurora at the same time. These auroras may be the result of the interaction between its magnetosphere and the ionosphere, just as it happens on Earth. However, because the atmosphere of Uranus is mainly hydrogen and helium, and the temperature is much lower, the auroras of Uranus are mainly ultraviolet and infrared auroras.

After Voyager 2 detected the ultraviolet aurora of Uranus, scientists have been trying to detect the near infrared (NIR) wavelength of Uranus in order to observe the infrared aurora.

In the new study, based on the results observed by the Keck Telescope Ⅱ using near-infrared spectroscopy in 2006, scientists found that the emission of trihydrogen cations in some parts of Uranus increased, but the temperature did not increase significantly, which is consistent with the ionization effect caused by auroral activity. This is the first time scientists have observed the infrared aurora of Uranus.

The window effect of auroral explosions the presence of auroras on planets often indicates that abnormal events have occurred. For example, studies have shown that some auroral eruptions on Jupiter may have been caused by intense volcanic activity on Io. The aurora is formed by electrons and charged atoms that Io has been emitting from space. Therefore, we can think of the aurora as a window event that provides many clues for us to learn more about these planets and their moons.

First of all, for the magnetic field anomaly of Uranus, if the magnetic field is the cause of the aurora, then the aurora will also affect the magnetic field. Some scientists believe that the high-energy magnetic field produces a lot of heat, and the downward movement of the heat will affect the position of the magnetic equator and cause the plane temperature of Uranus to be higher than expected.

Second, the magnetic field and atmosphere are important environmental factors to ensure the existence of life, and scientists can assess whether Uranus is suitable for life by analyzing the process of this aurora burst.

Thirdly, icy giant planets are very common in the universe. The study of Uranus auroras can help us to understand more giant planets, such as Neptune. We can use this to study Neptune's magnetic field anomaly, whether it is habitable or not.

Finally, although the earth's magnetic field is not as special as that of Uranus, there are also anomalies in the earth's magnetic field, such as inconsistency between the magnetic axis and the rotation axis, magnetic field reversal and so on, and the earth's magnetic field is closely related to us. A little anomaly will make a lot of noise. Perhaps the study of Uranus's magnetic field will help us to unravel the secret of the earth's magnetic field anomaly and achieve the goal of creating a better living environment for human beings.

References:

Detection of the infrared aurora at Uranus with Keck-NIRSPEC | Nature Astronomy

Https://www.popsci.com/science/infrared-aurora-uranus/

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