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New calculation finds a 28-second difference
Astronomers have once again measured how long a day on Uranus lasts — and the result differs slightly from previous estimates. According to Live Science, 11 years of observation using the Hubble Space Telescope show that one day on Uranus lasts 17 hours, 14 minutes, and 52 seconds.
What was previously believed?
In 1986, NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft observed Uranus up close and estimated the duration of a day as 17 hours, 14 minutes, and 24 seconds. The new calculation shows the day is 28 seconds longer.
How was new accuracy achieved?
Between 2011 and 2022, Hubble conducted six precise observations of aurora movement at Uranus’s magnetic poles. This helped to more accurately determine the location of the magnetic axis. Scientists say the new measurement has an uncertainty of less than 0.04 seconds.
Why is this important?
According to astronomers, knowing Uranus’s precise rotation period helps establish the planet’s coordinate system. This is crucial for planning future missions such as Uranus Orbiter and Probe.
Reminder: what did Voyager 2 do?
Voyager 2 was the first spacecraft to observe Uranus closely. It used data from the planet’s magnetic field and radio signals. But those calculations had an uncertainty of around 36 seconds, which grew over time.
What do experts say?
“With this new measurement, we can now compare 40 years of aurora observations and better plan future Uranus missions,” said Lauranne Lamy, an astronomer at the Paris Observatory.
“While the change isn’t huge, these calculations are now more accurate and easier to use in practice,” added Tim Bedding, an astronomer at the University of Sydney.
Interesting fact:
Uranus is one of the most tilted planets in the Solar System — its axis is tilted at nearly 98°, meaning its days and nights are radically different from those on other planets.
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12:20, 3-04-2025
