A rare celestial alignment in April 2025 gave NASA scientists the chance to study Uranus in exceptional detail as it passed in front of a distant star.
This stellar occultation, visible only from parts of western North America, allowed researchers to measure changes in Uranus’ atmosphere that haven’t been studied this thoroughly in decades.
On April 7, Uranus moved perfectly between Earth and a distant star, creating a rare cosmic event known as a stellar occultation. But for NASA scientists, this wasn’t just a beautiful alignment. It was a golden opportunity to study the mysterious ice giant in ways we haven’t been able to in over 30 years.
By watching how the star’s light dimmed and brightened as it passed behind Uranus, scientists were able to measure key features of the planet’s atmosphere, like its temperature, pressure, and density, in incredible detail. This flickering of starlight creates something called a light curve, and it’s a powerful tool for unlocking secrets hidden high in the planet’s skies.
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