Carbon Dioxide Ice Found on Uranus’ Moon Ariel

• 21 Aug 2024

In August 2024, scientists have detected carbon dioxide ice on Ariel, one of Uranus' moons, using the James Webb Space Telescope, hinting at the possibility of an underground ocean.

Key Points

• Discovery on Ariel: Researchers using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have identified carbon dioxide ice on Ariel, one of the 27 moons orbiting Uranus.
• Significance of the Discovery: The presence of carbon dioxide ice suggests the possibility of a liquid ocean beneath Ariel's surface, which could be releasing carbon dioxide through surface cracks.
• Chemical Processes on Ariel: Scientists propose that chemical processes in the underground ocean or Uranus’ magnetic field could be responsible for the carbon dioxide ice on Ariel’s surface.
• Additional Findings: Besides carbon dioxide, traces of carbon monoxide and carbonates were also found on Ariel, which are typically formed when water interacts with rocks.
• Potential for Life: The discovery of underground oceans on moons like Ariel is significant as these environments could potentially support life, similar to the oceans found on some of Jupiter’s largest moons.
• About Ariel: Ariel, named after a character in Shakespeare’s play "The Tempest," is the third-largest moon of Uranus and features canyons, grooves, and smooth icy regions.