PoorUranus : After old age of being the butt of many schoolyard jokes , the satellite ’s odour lives up to the unfortunate name . accord to a new subject by research worker at the University of Oxford and other institutions , published in the journalNature Astronomy , the upper bed of Uranus ’s atm consists largely of atomic number 1 sulphide — the same compound thatgives fartstheir putrid fetor .
Scientists have long mistrust that the cloud float over Uranus contained H sulfide , but the compound ’s presence was n’t confirm until recently . Certain gases absorb infrared Christ Within from the Sun . By analyzing the infrared light pattern in the images they captured using the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii , astronomers were able-bodied to get a clear picture of Uranus ’s atmospheric authorship .
On top of seduce flatus smelly , H sulfide is also responsible for for givingsewersand rotten egg their signature reek . But the gas ’s presence on Uranus has note value beyond making scientists giggle : It could unlock closed book about the establishment of the solar scheme . Unlike Uranus ( and most probable its fellowice giantNeptune ) , the flatulency giants Saturn and Jupiter show no evidence of hydrogen sulphide in their upper atmosphere . Instead they hold back ammonia , the same toxic compound used in some heavy - duty cleansing agent .
" During our solar system ’s formation , the balance between nitrogen and sulphur ( and hence ammonia and Uranus ’s newly detect atomic number 1 sulfide ) was determined by the temperature and location of planet ’s formation , " research team phallus Leigh Fletcher , of the University of Leicester , said in apress statement . In other word , the gases in Uranus ’s air may be capable to state us where in the solar system the satellite form before it migrated to its current spot .
From far aside , Uranus ’s atomic number 1 sulphide mental object marks an exciting discovery , but up close it ’s a silent but pestilent slayer . In large enough concentration , the compound islethalto humanity . But if someone were to walk on Uranus without a spacesuit , that would be the least of their problems : The -300 ° F temperatures and hydrogen , He , and methane gasoline at dry land level would be now fatal .
