Artist rendition displaying how the Uranus aurora (red) might have appeared in 2006 when this study was conducted. (Credit: NASA, ESA and M. Showalter (SETI Institute) for the background image of Uranus, as was observed by the Hubble Space Telescope (in the visible spectrum) in August 2005)

Additionally, understanding aurora on planets throughout our solar system could also help astronomers better understand the conditions for life to evolve, as the Earth’s magnetic field is responsible for shielding us from the harmful solar radiation. This could be especially prevalent in searching for life on exoplanets, as well.

“A majority of exoplanets discovered so far fall in the sub-Neptune category, and hence are physically similar to Neptune and Uranus in size,” said Emma Thomas, who is a PhD student in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leicester and lead author of the study. “This may also mean similar magnetic and atmospheric characteristics too. By analyzing Uranus’s aurora which directly connects to both the planet’s magnetic field and atmosphere, we can make predictions about the atmospheres and magnetic fields of these worlds and hence their suitability for life.”

How will Uranus’ aurora help astronomers better understand Uranus and the potential for life on exoplanets in the coming years and decades? Only time will tell, and this is why we science!

As always, keep doing science & keep looking up!