Aurora on Uranus? Why Are They In Large Dots?

[thebosonbreaker]

I have recently learned that Earth is not the only planet that has the Northern and Southern lights, as many other planets, including Jupiter and Uranus also have them.

I fully understand why Earth has them and all of the science behind it, however, I also recently learned that, whereas Earth's auroras are typically in wavy patterns, the auroras of Uranus would be in large dots.

Can anyone explain why?
Many thanks in advance.

 

[1oldman2]

I have recently learned that Earth is not the only planet that has the Northern and Southern lights, as many other planets, including Jupiter and Uranus also have them.

I fully understand why Earth has them and all of the science behind it, however, I also recently learned that, whereas Earth's auroras are typically in wavy patterns, the auroras of Uranus would be in large dots.

Can anyone explain why?
Many thanks in advance.

Interesting, with the axis of rotation pointed nearly directly at the sun this could make a difference.

http://www.space.com/15270-auroras-uranus-hubble-telescope-photos.html

This one is a curiosity also. http://www.space.com/15171-venus-auroras-magnetic-field.html