Uranus
Did You Know?
Uranus rotates on its side at a 98-degree angle!
The Ice Giant
Uranus is the seventh planet from the Sun and an ice giant composed primarily of water, methane, and ammonia ices. It's the coldest planet in our Solar System, with temperatures dropping to -224°C (-371°F). Uranus has a unique feature: it rotates on its side at a 98-degree angle, likely due to a massive collision in its past. This gives Uranus extreme seasons.
Unique Rotation
Uranus's sideways rotation creates extreme seasons. For 21 years, one pole points toward the Sun while the other is in darkness. Then the situation reverses for the next 21 years. During these periods, the equator receives very little sunlight. This unique orientation makes Uranus one of the most unusual planets in our Solar System.
Atmosphere and Moons
Uranus has a thick atmosphere composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, with methane giving it a blue-green color. The planet has 27 known moons, named after characters from Shakespeare and Alexander Pope. The largest moons are Titania and Oberon. Uranus also has a faint ring system discovered in 1977.
Amazing Facts
Uranus has 27 known moons
This fact reveals the incredible scale and wonder of our universe.
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Uranus is 4 times wider than Earth
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Only one spacecraft has visited Uranus: Voyager 2
This fact reveals the incredible scale and wonder of our universe.
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Uranus's rings are dark and hard to see
This fact reveals the incredible scale and wonder of our universe.
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