Uranus and Neptune may not be "ice giants" at all: scientists' research
Kyiv • UNN
A new study questions the previous understanding of the internal structure of Uranus and Neptune, indicating their possible rocky composition. Scientists suggest that the cores of these planets may be more rocky than previously thought, which changes the classification of planets in the Solar System.
The cores of Uranus and Neptune may be more rocky and less "icy" than previously thought. This is reported by Science Alert, citing research from the PlanetS center of the University of Zurich (UZH) and the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), according to UNN.
Details
Uranus and Neptune are classified as gas giants, but they are usually called "ice giants" due to their chemical composition. These planets contain more methane, water, and other volatile substances than Jupiter and Saturn, and under high pressure, these substances solidify to form ice.
New research by scientists questions the previous understanding of the internal structure of these planets.
The classification of ice giants is too simplistic, as Uranus and Neptune are still poorly understood
It is noted that convection may occur inside these objects, where matter circulates (as on Earth due to tectonic activity) rather than remaining stable. This may explain some features of the "ice giants."
Historically, scientists divide the planets of the Solar System into three categories, depending on their composition, which corresponds to their distance from the Sun. These are the rocky planets of the inner Solar System - Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, as well as the planets beyond the so-called "frost line" (where volatile substances such as water freeze). This includes gas giants (Jupiter and Saturn) and ice giants (Uranus and Neptune). But now scientists have questioned this division.
During the new study, scientists simulated the interiors of Uranus and Neptune. Its peculiarity was the creation of random density profiles with subsequent calculations of the resulting gravitational field of the planets.
They then repeated the process to obtain results consistent with observational data from Uranus and Neptune. The results showed that the internal composition of the planets is not limited to ice; it may consist mainly of rocks.
These results are consistent with data obtained by the Hubble Space Telescope and the New Horizons mission, which indicate that Pluto is approximately 70% rock and metal and 30% water by mass.