NASA scientists used microwave observations to spot the first polar cyclone on Uranus, seen here as a light-colored dot to the right of center in each image of the planet. The images use wavelength bands K, Ka, and Q, from left. To highlight cyclone features, a different color map was used for each. Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech/VLA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced that their scientists have obtained evidence of a polar cyclone on Uranus, confirming the presence of swirling vortices at the planet's poles.

The findings, published in Geophysical Research Letters, shed new light on the dynamic nature of Uranus and provide valuable insights into the workings of its atmosphere.

While scientists have previously identified a swirling feature at Uranus' south pole through imaging and infrared measurements from NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft, this is the first time a polar cyclone has been detected at the planet's north pole.

Using the Very Large Array's huge radio antenna dishes in New Mexico, researchers examined radio waves emitted from the ice giant and found distinct indications of a strong cyclone characterized by warmer and drier circulating air. These observations, collected in 2015, 2021, and 2022, delved deeper into Uranus' atmosphere than ever before.

Lead author Alex Akins from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory expressed excitement about the findings, stating, "These observations tell us a lot more about the story of Uranus. It's a much more dynamic world than you might think. It isn't just a plain blue ball of gas. There's a lot happening under the hood."

This image of Uranus was taken by NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft in 1986. Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech/VLA

The improved view of Uranus in recent years, resulting from its position in orbit, has allowed scientists to gain a better understanding of the planet's polar atmosphere.

The newly discovered cyclone on Uranus shares similarities with those observed at Saturn by NASA's Cassini mission.

These compactly shaped cyclones or anti-cyclones (which rotate in the opposite direction) have now been identified at the poles of every planet in our solar system except Mercury, which lacks a substantial atmosphere. Unlike hurricanes on Earth, the cyclones on Uranus and Saturn do not form over water, as neither planet is known to have liquid water. These cyclones remain fixed at the poles, and scientists are eager to observe the evolution of the newly discovered Uranus cyclone in the coming years.

The National Academies' 2023 Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey has prioritized the exploration of Uranus, leading planetary scientists to focus on enhancing their knowledge of this mysterious ice giant and its system.

These recent findings pave the way for future missions to Uranus and offer a glimpse into the intriguing and complex nature of this distant planet.

As scientists continue to investigate Uranus, they hope to unravel more of its mysteries and gain a deeper understanding of its atmospheric dynamics.