We have determined that the temperatures in the high atmospheres of Uranus and Neptune are, on the average, about the same. How do we explain this?
A)They are both about the same distance from the Sun.
B)The chemical composition is completely different on the two planets, and the chemicals in the atmosphere of Neptune retain solar heat better than those in the atmosphere of Uranus.
C)The greenhouse effect is stronger on Neptune than on Uranus.
D)Neptune is still contracting and giving out energy by the Kelvin-Helmholtz contraction, but Uranus is not.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Neptune is still contracting and releasing energy through the Kelvin-Helmholtz mechanism, which contributes to its heat. This process is not occurring on Uranus, but the effect on Neptune helps to explain why both planets have similar high atmospheric temperatures despite their differences.

We Have Determined That the Temperatures in the High Atmospheres