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PIP’S STARHAVEN · FIELD NOTES · PARENTS & TEACHERS

Neptune: distant and windy

Neptune’s atmosphere contains mostly hydrogen and helium with some methane. Its deep interior includes hot, dense fluids, while the upper atmosphere supports very fast winds.

Images can be processed to reveal cloud details, changing their apparent color. Neptune and Uranus are closer in visible color than some familiar pictures suggest. A photograph’s colors should be interpreted with its caption.

Wonder about this

Does a dark or pale space picture always show exactly what eyes would see?

A science clue

No. Scientists may process colors or contrast to reveal useful details.