Two Hours Before Neptune
The story
Two hours before closest approach to Neptune in 1989, the Voyager 2 robot spacecraft snapped this picture. Clearly visible for the first time were long light-colored cirrus-type clouds floating high in Neptune's atmosphere. Shadows of these clouds can even be seen on lower cloud decks. Most of Neptune's atmosphere is made of hydrogen and helium, which is invisible. Neptune's blue color therefore comes from smaller amounts of atmospheric methane, which preferentially absorb
Highlights
More from the cosmos
Frequently asked
What is this image of?
Two hours before closest approach to Neptune in 1989, the Voyager 2 robot spacecraft snapped this picture. Clearly visible for the first time were long light-colored cirrus-type clouds floating high in Neptune's atmosphere. Shadows of thes…
Who captured it?
This image is credited to NASA, featured via NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day.
When was it published?
NASA featured this image on 2002-09-22.
Can I use this image?
NASA imagery is generally free to use for education; check the official APOD page for specific credit and licensing.
See it in full resolution
Open NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for the high-resolution image, full explanation and credits.
View on NASA APODOpens the official source in a new tab.
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