Scientists studying the atmosphere of Uranus have discovered the ice giant contains high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide gas, which humans know as the smell of rotten eggs and farts.
In a study published in Nature Astronomy, light absorption lines using spectral imaging from Hawaii's Gemini North telescope identified the noxious gas, which because of the cold temperatures, exists as ice. And although Uranus would probably be a smelly place, no human would ever be able to experience this extraterrestrial flatulence.
"If an unfortunate human were ever to descend through Uranus's clouds, they would be met with very unpleasant and odiferous conditions," said the University of Oxford's Patrick Irwin, an author of the study. "Suffocation and exposure in the -200 degrees Celsius atmosphere made of mostly hydrogen, helium and methane would take its toll long before the smell."
The study upended previous hypotheses about the Uranusian atmosphere. Some astronomers assumed Uranus would contain large amounts of ammonia, as do Jupiter and Saturn.
Poor Uranus, according to some Twitter users. Note: the emphasis falls on the first syllable of the name, but whatever.
"First the poor planet has to live with a name like #Uranus and per se scientists have now confirmed that it smells like farts."
"It turns out Uranus smells like rotten eggs and you would suffocate in its atmosphere. Guess it was aptly named all along."
"Breaking news: After year of research Scientist have discovered that the planet Uranus smells like your butt. Who would of guessed?"
Funny but RUDE:
"1969: we paid scientists to get men on the moon.
2018: we paid scientists to inform us Uranus smells like rotten eggs.
Thanks millennials."
@GregAbbott_TX/X
