In this section
@article{Acevski:2026:10.1029/2026JA035596,
author = {Acevski, M and Achilleos, N and Masters, A and Smith, C and Tiranti, PI},
doi = {10.1029/2026JA035596},
journal = {Journal of Geophysical Research Space Physics},
title = {Highly Asymmetric Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere Coupling at Uranus},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2026JA035596},
volume = {131},
year = {2026}
}
TY - JOUR
AB - Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere (MIT) coupling is widely considered the dominant energy source responsible for maintaining the elevated thermospheric temperatures observed at the giant planets. At Uranus, the strongly tilted and asymmetric magnetic field produces a highly asymmetric magnetospheric configuration that may fundamentally alter the spatial distribution of energy deposition in the upper atmosphere. In this study, we investigate how Uranus' magnetic geometry influences thermospheric heating and circulation using a (Formula presented.) -D thermospheric circulation model updated to represent Uranus-like atmospheric conditions. The simulations show that magnetospheric forcing at the two magnetic poles produces markedly different thermospheric responses. At the magnetic south pole, where the magnetic field strength is larger and the pole lies close to the rotational pole, Joule heating produces a confined region of enhanced temperature resembling the polar hot spots observed at Jupiter and Saturn. In contrast, the magnetic north pole lies near the rotational equator and is associated with weaker magnetic field strengths and, therefore, higher ionospheric conductivities. Under these conditions, the imposed electric field drives heating across both hemispheres simultaneously, producing a much broader region of thermospheric heating that actually decreases near the rotational poles. These results demonstrate that Uranus' unusual magnetic geometry leads to a strongly asymmetric pattern of MIT-driven heating that differs significantly from Jupiter and Saturn. Comparing these results to recent JWST observations, which show relatively uniform thermospheric temperatures, we hypothesize that highly efficient meridional transport from the magnetic north pole may redistribute this energy globally, potentially explaining these observations.
AU - Acevski,M
AU - Achilleos,N
AU - Masters,A
AU - Smith,C
AU - Tiranti,PI
DO - 10.1029/2026JA035596
PY - 2026///
SN - 2169-9380
TI - Highly Asymmetric Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere Coupling at Uranus
T2 - Journal of Geophysical Research Space Physics
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2026JA035596
VL - 131
ER -