Ice Giant
Uranus
Uranus is an ice giant unique for its extreme axial tilt. Its cyan color is due to atmospheric methane absorbing red light, and its atmosphere is the coldest in the solar system.
Equatorial Diameter
51,118 km
Surface Temperature
-210°C
Mass
8.681 × 10^25 kg
Surface Gravity
8.7 m/s²
Axial Tilt
97.77°
Rotation Period
17h 14m
Orbital Period
84 years
Moons
27 Known
Planetary Structure
Uranus's gaseous atmosphere gradually transitions into its internal liquid layers. The "ice mantle" is not composed of conventional ice, but of a hot and dense fluid also known as a water-ammonia ocean. A relatively large magnetic field is generated by convection currents at shallow depths within these fluid layers of the planet.
Scientific Discoveries
- Uranus orbits the Sun on its side, with an axial tilt of 97.77 degrees.
- Due to its extreme tilt, one pole faces the Sun for 42 years, followed by 42 years of darkness.
- It was the first planet to be discovered by the use of a modern telescope, credited to William Herschel in 1781.
- It is theorized that extreme pressures within Uranus could break down methane and form diamond rain.
- Uranus has 13 known rings, which are very dark and narrow.
- When in opposition with the Sun relative to Earth, Uranus can become visible to the naked eye, appearing as a faint star under dark sky conditions.