Scientists plan probe to study Uranus

[TheMightyFavog]

http://kotaku.com/5731593/scientist-plan-probe-to-study-uranus

Uranus is a cold and distant world that hasn't been seen up close for 25 years. British scientists propose a plan to launch a satellite in that could shed new light on the mysteries of the frozen planet.

The seventh planet in the solar system and the third largest, Uranus was first discovered in 1781 by Sir William Herschel from Bath, England. Largely comprised of ice and rock, Uranus has the coldest atmosphere of any planet in the solar system, with brutal 500 mile-per-hour winds racing across its surface.

It's been a long time since we've gotten up-close and personal with Uranus. The last good look was back in 1986, when the NASA's Voyager 2 probed passed close to the planet on its way out of the solar system.

Because of this lack of familiarity, scientists have many unanswered questions regarding Uranus. Why does it give off so little heat? Why is it tilted on its side, rolling about the solar system like a ball, causing half of the planet to face away from the sun for 42 years at a time?

snicker, snicker, snicker...

[rug]

1. Bree Olson tapped as consultant.

[Forkboy]

2. Not while I have my strength!

[pokerfan]

3. You can't see Uranus with the naked eye

You need a mirror. :-)

[Systematic Chaos]

4. Not to ruin your fun, but actually you can.

Uranus is magnitude +6, making it visible in the night sky far away from major cities. Neptune is slightly too faint to be seen in a sky free of all light pollution, at magnitude +8, but is easy to spot with good binoculars. Finally, Pluto is +14 at its brightest and requires at least an 8" telescope.

I'll take my nerd self and go away now. :P

[pokerfan]

6. Yeah, but a mirror makes it easier

Reduces neck strain. :)

[Swede]

5. Neptune next.

:shrug:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

7. Heh, heh, heh. He said, "Uranus." Heh, heh.