Color of Neptune

True color image of Neptune, as taken by Voyager 2. This image was calibrated to be roughly true color.

The Color of Neptune is a pale, hazy green color, similar to fellow Ice Giant Uranus. This is due to the presence of Methane in its atmosphere.

Voyager 2 flyby

On August 25, 1989, the Voyager 2 spacecraft performed a flyby of Neptune. During this flyby, Voyager 2 imaged both Neptune and its moons. While imaging the system, it of course took images of Neptune. However, these images were edited to enhance detail and contrast, thus creating the myth that Neptune is a deep, azure color.

Post Voyager 2

For decades after Voyager 2 performed a flyby of Neptune, it was thought that Neptune was a deep azure color, however, recent reprocessing of Voyager 2 images reveal that Neptune is really a faint, hazy, blue-green color, similar to Uranus. While it was originally noted when these enhanced color images were first published that they were, in fact, enhanced color, the myth spread quickly and the image of Neptune being deep blue remains in the perception of the public and even NASA.

False color image of Neptune by Voyager 2, with enhanced details

References

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