Study: Uranus and Neptune Formed in Different Regions

New research suggests Uranus and Neptune, though superficially similar, formed from material originating in different parts of the early solar system. Using carbon monoxide as a chemical tracer, scientists found Uranus has a higher carbon-to-oxygen ratio than Neptune, pointing to distinct formation histories. The findings, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, underscore the value of a planned Uranus orbiter mission.