Introduction

In a riveting conversation, Professor Brian Cox reveals his dream for humanity’s next great leap into space exploration: sending missions to the enigmatic ice giants, Uranus and Neptune. With their intriguing characteristics and potential for discovery, these distant planets are ripe for scientific inquiry.

Historical Context

The only spacecraft to ever take a close look at these ice giants was NASA's Voyager 2, which conducted flybys in 1986 and 1989. While this mission provided invaluable data on Uranus and Neptune, it was merely a glimpse, leaving many questions unanswered about their mysterious atmospheres and geological wonders.

Call for Action

Cox is adamant that the time has come for in-depth exploration. "If I were one of those billionaires just floating around with all my money, I would fund two missions: an orbiter to Uranus and an orbiter to Neptune," he stated emphatically. This assertion underscores the vast scientific potential waiting to be unlocked in these strange worlds.

Uranus and Neptune

Uranus stands out with its odd axial tilt, causing it to roll along its orbit, a phenomenon likely caused by a massive collision in its distant past. The icy blue planet also harbors intriguing features like its moon Miranda, which boasts the tallest cliff in the Solar System, reaching heights of up to 20 kilometers (12 miles). Meanwhile, Neptune captivates with its ever-changing storm systems and its largest moon Triton, known for its active cryovolcanic activity.

Solar Systems series

Cox's passion for these ice giants is featured in his new BBC series, "Solar Systems." The show fuses cutting-edge computer graphics with historical observations to paint a comprehensive picture of our celestial neighbors. Recent discoveries from advanced telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope and Hubble have added to the wealth of knowledge, revealing even more secrets about these icy orbs.

Engaging the Public

The series takes an engaging approach to science by incorporating hands-on experiments that demonstrate fundamental principles of physics. Filming in locations like volcanic Iceland, Cox effortlessly connects the dots between terrestrial science and the material found on distant planets. In one example, he illustrates how the physical laws governing spinning eggs relate to the study of moons like Enceladus, which has a hidden ocean beneath its icy crust—an exciting prospect for extraterrestrial life.

Conclusion

Cox emphasizes the importance of making science relatable, stating, “It is truly fascinating to link the science we learned in school to the grand complexities of our Solar System. By engaging the public in simple experiments, we can bridge this considerable knowledge gap.”

As humanity stands on the precipice of new space exploration, Cox's vision of funding missions to Uranus and Neptune could revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos. Imagine what discoveries await if we proceed to unlock the secrets of these magnificent planets! With the right investment and determination, the ice giants could become the next frontier in our quest to explore the universe.