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Uranus

uranus
  • Like Venus, Uranus rotates in a retrograde direction.

  • Uranus's axis is tilted 98 degrees meaning that most of the planet is either facing away from the sun or facing toward the sun. Only a thin slice of Uranus has a day/night cycle. It is believed that this tilt was caused by multiple impacts on the planet.

  • Uranus is a gas giant with an atmosphere composed of a mix of hydrogen, helium and methane, the latter of which is responsible for the planet's beautiful aquamarine color.

  • At an average temperature of -371 degrees Fahrenheit, Uranus is the coldest planet in the solar system.

  • Uranus' weather appears to be calmer and more uniform than that of the other gas giants. However, infrared imaging by the Voyager 2 probe showed incredibly powerful storms with winds raging up to 560 miles per hour as well as great variation in cloud patterns between hemispheres.

  • Uranus has 13 faint rings made of opaque particles believed to be from shattered moons.

    • uranus rings
    Uranus' ring system.
  • As yet, humanity's only visit to Uranus has been the Voyager 2 flyby in January 1986.

    • Moons


    Uranus has 27 moons, all named after characters from Shakespeare.


    titania
    Titania is Uranus' largest moon. It is composed of half rock and half ice and is extremely cold. It's possible that it contains a subsurface ocean.
    miranda
    Miranda's odd shape comes from Uranus' tidal forces squeezing and stretching it. It is notable as having the highest cliff in the solar system, Verona Rupes, at a height of 3 miles.
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By Aaron Feigenbaum