The internal structures and the relative rotation rates of Uranus and Neptune

M. Podolak*, R. Young, R. Reynolds

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

The difference between the interior structures of Uranus and Neptune is presented, based on models which fit the observed mass, radius, and gravitational moments for the assumed rotation periods of these planets. If Uranus and Neptune are assumed to be as similar in internal structure as they are in mass and radius, the rotation period for Neptune must be shorter than that for Uranus. It is suggested that the true rotation period is given by Neptune's oblateness, while the photometric period corresponds to the motion of Rossby waves in the upper atmosphere.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)266-271
Number of pages6
JournalIcarus
Volume63
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1985
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The internal structures and the relative rotation rates of Uranus and Neptune'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this