Astronomers using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) have made an unprecedented observation of a significant dark spot in Neptune’s Atmosphere, accompanied by a smaller bright spot. This marks the first time that a dark spot on Neptune has been observed using a terrestrial telescope.

The discovery of these occasional features in Neptune’s atmosphere has long puzzled astronomers, and the new findings shed light on their nature and origin. Dark spots are common features in the atmospheres of giant planets, with Jupiter’s Great Red Spot being the most famous example. On Neptune, a dark spot was first discovered by NASA’s Voyager 2 in 1989 but disappeared soon after.

The team of astronomers led by Professor Patrick Irwin from the University of Oxford used data from the VLT to investigate the dark spot phenomenon on Neptune. Their observations ruled out the possibility that dark spots are caused by a clearing in the clouds. Instead, the researchers suggest that the dark spots result from air particles darkening in a lower layer of Neptune’s atmosphere as ices and hazes mix.

To study the dark spot in detail, the astronomers used the VLT’s Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) instrument to obtain a 3D spectrum of the spot. This allowed them to observe the spot in more detail and make the first-ever reflection spectrum of such a feature.

This groundbreaking observation provides valuable insights into the dynamic and complex nature of Neptune’s atmosphere. Further research will continue to uncover the mysteries surrounding these enigmatic dark spots.

Sources:
– European Southern Observatory (ESO)
– University of Oxford

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