News Planetary Science

New thermal maps of Neptune reveal surprising temperature swings

Atmospheric temperatures show a global drop, then a weird spike at the south pole

image of Neptune

Voyager 2 captured this portrait of Neptune when the NASA probe flew by the ice giant in 1989. A new analysis of Earth-based data shows intriguing and unexplained temperature swings in Neptune’s atmosphere.

Kevin M. Gill/JPL-Caltech/NASA

By Liz Kruesi

- More than 2 years ago

Neptune’s atmospheric temperature is on an unexpected roller-coaster ride, and it could take decades for scientists to piece together what’s happening at the distant planet.