Neptune, Uranus have new moons on the block

24 February,2024 05:58 AM IST |  Washington  |  Agencies

The latest tally puts Neptune at 16 known moons and Uranus at 28.

Neptune’s moon tally rises to 16, while Uranus now has 28. Pic/AP


Astronomers have found three previously unknown moons in our solar system - two additional moons circling Neptune and one around Uranus.

The distant tiny moons were spotted using powerful land-based telescopes in Hawaii and Chile, and announced on Friday by the International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center. The latest tally puts Neptune at 16 known moons and Uranus at 28.

One of Neptune's new moons has the longest known orbital journey yet. It takes around 27 years for the small outer moon to complete one lap around Neptune, the vast icy planet farthest from the sun, said Scott Sheppard, an astronomer at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, who helped make the discovery.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
world news washington
Related Stories