Neptune (left) and Uranus (right) could possess more rocky material than initially believed.(Image credit: NASA/JPL/STScI)ShareShare by:
- Copy link
- X
Share this article 3Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletter
The internal structure of Uranus and Neptune may have a larger amount of rock than previously considered by scientists; a novel computing simulation implies — questioning the designation of the planets as “ice giants.”
The fresh analysis, documented Dec. 10 in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, could also provide insight into the planets’ perplexing magnetic fields.
You may like
-
A unique object between Saturn and Uranus is ‘developing’ its own ring system, research indicates
-
Saturn’s most substantial moon may feature ‘icy pathways’ potentially harboring extraterrestrial life, a recent study suggests
-
‘Planet Y’ concept alludes to an undiscovered Earth-sized celestial body concealed within the solar system — potentially located closer to us than ‘Planet Nine’
Far out planets
Morf, accompanied by his advisor Ravit Helled, created a unique hybrid model to acquire further insights into the core of these frigid planets. Conventional physics-based models depend significantly on presumptions established by the modeler, whereas observation-based models have the potential to be too simple, Morf clarified. “We combined the two methodologies in order to derive internal models that possess both impartiality and physical coherence,” he mentioned.
The team initiated the process by evaluating how the density within each planet’s center might fluctuate depending on its distance from the planetary core, modifying the model to reflect the planets’ gravitational forces. Subsequently, they extrapolated data regarding the core’s temperature and composition, yielding an updated density profile. This team then re-entered these revised density metrics into the model, continuing the iteration until the simulated core was entirely consistent with current observational information.
Voyager 2 captured this snapshot of Neptune back in 1989. The Voyager flybys provided data concerning Uranus and Neptune, some of which remain the most reliable available.
This approach generated eight potential core models for both Uranus and Neptune, with three displaying elevated rock-to-water ratios. According to the researchers, this suggests that the interiors of Uranus and Neptune may not be solely comprised of ice, in contrast to prior assumptions.
All modeled cores contained convective regions, where pure water exists in an ionic state. This takes place when intense temperatures and pressures instigate the breakdown of water molecules into positively charged protons (H+) and negatively charged hydroxide ions (OH-). The team postulates that such layers could potentially be the source of the planets’ diverse magnetic fields, which explains Uranus and Neptune having more than a pair of poles. Additionally, the model implies that Uranus’ magnetic field originates nearer to the center compared to that of Neptune.
“A primary challenge lies in the limited understanding physicists possess concerning the behavior of matter under the extreme conditions of pressure and temperature within a planet’s core, which may affect our results,” Morf explained. The team intends to refine the model by introducing additional molecules such as methane and ammonia, which are also possibly present in the cores.
related stories
—Scientists discovered Uranus has unexpectedly warm temperatures, which strengthens the argument for launching a new planetary exploration mission
—Scientists have ultimately determined why powerful ultraviolet storms occur on Uranus and Neptune
—Neptune’s actual color deviates from what you expect; these recent images of the planet substantiate that claim
“Depending on the model assumptions used, both Uranus and Neptune might be categorized either as rock giants or ice giants,” Helled mentioned. She pointed out that our comprehension of these planets could potentially be incomplete, as it is largely derived from data gathered by the Voyager 2 space probe in the 1980s.
“The available data falls short of providing definitive differentiation between the two, thereby necessitating the implementation of specialized missions directed toward Uranus and Neptune that are capable of disclosing their accurate character,” Helled further commented.
The team conveys hope that the model could function as an objective instrument for any novel information resulting from upcoming space expeditions to these planets.
TOPICSSolar System
Mason WakleyLive Science contributor
Mason Wakley functions as a self-employed science journalist based in the United Kingdom, exhibiting particular curiosity in areas of chemistry, materials and environmental science. He completed a Chemistry World internship in 2025. Mason possesses a master’s degree in chemistry attained from the University of Oxford.
Show More Comments
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
LogoutRead more
A unique object between Saturn and Uranus is ‘developing’ its own ring system, research indicates
Saturn’s most substantial moon may feature ‘icy pathways’ potentially harboring extraterrestrial life, a recent study suggests
‘Planet Y’ concept alludes to an undiscovered Earth-sized celestial body concealed within the solar system — potentially located closer to us than ‘Planet Nine’
On Saturn’s most substantial moon, water and oil would combine — potentially enabling unique chemistry within our solar system
James Webb telescope observes a dwarf planet emitting gases with fluorescent properties situated in the far reaches of the solar system
New images indicate the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is displaying eruptions of ‘ice volcanoes’
Latest in Planets
NASA spacecraft achieves landmark 100,000th image of Mars (photo)
What contributes to Venus’ intense brightness?
Saturn’s most substantial moon may feature ‘icy pathways’ potentially harboring extraterrestrial life, a recent study suggests