Uranus’s ionized gas leak seen for the first time by Voyager 2 decades ago: NASA

NASA's review of Voyager 2's 1986 data revealed that Uranus vented a large plasmoid, a pocket of ionized gas, into space. Uranus is unique due to its sideways rotation and offset magnetic field, causing an unusual wobble. Solar winds caused gas to pinch off, which was discovered by NASA researchers analyzing old data. New research increased data resolution, revealing the plasmoid formation.

What did NASA's review of Voyager 2's data from 1986 reveal about Uranus?

• Uranus has a solid surface.

• Uranus has rings similar to Saturn.

• Uranus is the hottest planet in the solar system.

• Uranus released a large blob of ionized gas into space.

How is Uranus's rotation unique compared to other planets?

• It rotates faster than any other planet.

• It spins almost on its side.

• It rotates in the opposite direction to Earth.

• It has the slowest rotation in the solar system.

What is unusual about Uranus's magnetic field?

• It does not exist.

• It is the strongest magnetic field in the solar system.

• It is offset by 60 degrees from its spin axis.

• It is perfectly aligned with its rotation axis.

How was the plasmoid discovered in the data?

• Using a new satellite.

• By accident during a review of old data.

• By observing Uranus through a telescope.

• Through a planned experiment.

What did scientists do to identify the blip in the data?

• They used a different spacecraft.

• They changed the data format.

• They used a new type of sensor.

• They increased the resolution of the data.