In 2007, it was discovered that the upper troposphere of Neptune's south pole was about 10 K warmer than the rest of its atmosphere, which averages approximately 73 K (−200 °C). The temperature differential is enough to let methane, which elsewhere is frozen in the troposphere, escape into the stratosphere near the pole. The relative "hot spot" is due to Neptune's axial tilt, which has exposed the south pole to the Sun for the last quarter of Neptune's year, or roughly 40 Earth years. As Neptune slowly moves towards the opposite side of the Sun, the south pole will be darkened and the north pole illuminated, causing the methane release to shift to the north pole. COUNT 5
QSN1 How much warmer is Neptune's south pole to the rest of it's atmosphere?  ANS1 10 K QSN2 Where does methane in the south pole escape to on Neptune?  ANS2 the stratosphere near the pole. QSN3 What is the average temperature of Neptune's south pole?  ANS3 73 K (−200 °C). QSN4 How many earth years is Neptune's south pole exposed to the sun? ANS4 40 QSN5 To which pole will Neptune's methane shift to as it moves to the opposite side of the sun? ANS5 north pole