Can Europe Probe Uranus?

[nanila]

I defy anyone to be able to read this promotional blurb in National Geographic about the proposed Uranus Pathfinder mission with a straight face.

Europe Asks If It Can Probe Uranus

Choice quote: Considering the vast distances, we've got a decent start on accumulating facts about the seventh planet. But according to [lead project scientist Chris] Arridge, "we've only really scratched the surface of Uranus."

Comments

[quoththeravyn]

Why yes, as a matter of fact, I'm twelve. Why do you ask? ;-)

Putting the accent on the first syllable isn't that much better: Urine-ous.

[nanila]

Haha, when I have to talk about Uranus at schools, I put the accent on the first syllable, just to keep from getting sidetracked by giggling.

[lovepeaceohana]

Well, I'm sure there are lots of discoveries to be made in Uranus.

Cell phones, small mammals, and toy soldiers notwithstanding.

[nanila]

The atmosphere of Uranus is pretty thick. It'll be difficult to penetrate.

[sfred]

Hee hee :-)

[nanila]

We must understand the origins of Uranus!

[shirou]

Some of the text seems almost intentionally funny.

... Uranus is not only less than half the width of Jupiter ...
One of the big mysteries about Uranus is that it doesn't emit much heat at all ...
Uranus has the most powerful known winds in the solar system ...
... we've only really scratched the surface of Uranus.

[nanila]

Oh, I'm pretty sure the entire article is intentionally funny. It's impossible not to propose a mission to Uranus without a sense of humour.

[liseuse]

Hehehehe

What? I'm twelve okay!

[nanila]

Don't fight it. It's impossible. I keep sniggering while I'm reading the proposal text. "Uranus is our most accessible Ice Giant..."