Astro-image of the day: Neptune's hot South Pole

[mckitterick]

Scientists have noted that Neptune's south pole is warmer than the rest of the planet but only recently published these temperature maps that demonstrate it. The South Pole appears to allow methane to escape from deep in the atmosphere. Here's what the temperature maps look like:

Click the image to see the story.

Here's what this planet looks like in natural color:


Best,
Chris

Comments

[archway.livejournal.com]

Looks like a visual representation of keeping your head when life wants you to play on life's terms...
No matter how red hot you may feel on the inside, sometimes it is just better to appear cool on the outside. ~S~

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Heh. And to continue the metaphor into a conceit, it's also symbolic of how one needs a way to vent and let out all that heat.

[renegade500.livejournal.com]

Hmm, so true (esp. these days for me).

[renegade500.livejournal.com]

Wow, that's so true!

I was just thinking what a pretty, blue, relaxed-looking planet Neptune is.