Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) Observes Neptune (IMAGE)

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) Observes Neptune

Caption

Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) images objects in the near-infrared range from 0.6 to 5 microns, so Neptune does not appear blue to Webb. In fact, the methane gas so strongly absorbs red and infrared light that the planet is quite dark at these near-infrared wavelengths, except where high-altitude clouds are present. Such methane-ice clouds are prominent as bright streaks and spots, which reflect sunlight before it is absorbed by methane gas.

Credit

Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI

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Public Domain

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