Uranus and Neptune: Origin, Evolution and Internal Structure

• Published in: Space science reviews Vol. 216; no. 3
• Main Authors: Helled, Ravit, Nettelmann, Nadine, Guillot, Tristan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.04.2020; Springer Nature B.V; Springer Verlag
• Subjects: Aerospace Technology and Astronautics; Astrophysics; Astrophysics and Astroparticles; Atmospheric composition; Charged particles; Earth; Earth and Planetary Astrophysics; Evolution; In Situ Exploration of the Ice Giants: Science and Technology; Magnetic fields; Neptune; Physical properties; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Planetology; Planets; Questions; Radiation; Saturn; Sciences of the Universe; Solar and Stellar Astrophysics; Solar system; Space Exploration and Astronautics; Space Sciences (including Extraterrestrial Physics; Thermal evolution; Uranus; Planets and satellites: interiors; Planets and satellites: formation; Planets and satellites: ice planets; Planets and satellites: individual: Uranus, Neptune; Planets and satellites: composition
• ISSN: 0038-6308; 1572-9672
• DOI: 10.1007/s11214-020-00660-3

There are still many open questions regarding the nature of Uranus and Neptune, the outermost planets in the Solar System. In this review we summarize the current-knowledge about Uranus and Neptune with a focus on their composition and internal structure, formation including potential subsequent giant impacts, and thermal evolution. We present key open questions and discuss the uncertainty in the internal structures of the planets due to the possibility of non-adiabatic and inhomogeneous interiors. We also provide the reasoning for improved observational constraints on their fundamental physical parameters such as their gravitational and magnetic fields, rotation rates, and deep atmospheric composition and temperature. Only this way will we be able to improve our understating of these planetary objects, and the many similar-sized objects orbiting other stars.