High-Altitude Methane Ice Crystal Clouds

CARD IMAGE:

The Solar System

Clouds on Neptune

The farthest of the planets known as gas giants, Neptune is four times Earth's diameter. Absorption of red light by methane in Neptune's atmosphere contributes to the planet's distinctive aqua color; the clouds themselves are somewhat blue. The pink features are high-altitude methane ice crystal clouds. Although the clouds appear white in visible light, they are tinted pink here because they were imaged at near-infrared wavelengths.

Courtesy of H. Hammel (MIT) and NASA


Dear Dan & Pam,

Rec'd a communique from Steve P. recently, asking for your address his e-address, which I provided. Hope you hear from him soon.

Dees