New scrutiny of Uranus’ largest moons suggest the bodies may contain ocean layers that could be dozens of miles deep. Uranus has at least 27 moons, which are cold and icy like their host planet. A recent study looked at the planet’s largest moons: Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, Oberon, and Miranda (Uniquely, Uranus has moons named after characters created by Shakespeare and Alexander Pope.) The researchers found that four of those moons may be large enough to retain internal heat, turning their would-be-solid insides into wet environments. Besides the moons’ internal heat, the researchers found that chlorides and ammonia are likely present in these oceans.

Source: The Nation May 05, 2023 17:02 UTC