THE ICE GIANT

Uranus, the seventh planet from the Sun, is a world of extreme seasons, mysterious weather, and a unique sideways rotation. Explore the secrets of this enigmatic ice giant.

EXPLORE FACTS

ABOUT URANUS

The Sideways Planet

Uranus is unique among the planets in our solar system because it rotates on its side. Its axis is tilted at an angle of about 98 degrees, which means it essentially orbits the Sun on its side.

This extreme tilt causes extreme seasons. Each pole gets around 42 years of continuous sunlight, followed by 42 years of darkness. The last equinox on Uranus occurred in 2007.

Temperature

-224°C to -216°C

Gravity

8.87 m/s² (0.886 g)

Uranus with rings

COMPOSITION

Uranus is an ice giant, composed primarily of water, ammonia, and methane ices, with a small rocky core and a gaseous atmosphere of hydrogen and helium.

ATMOSPHERE

The atmosphere contains methane which gives Uranus its blue-green color. Wind speeds can reach up to 900 km/h (560 mph).

RING SYSTEM

Uranus has 13 known rings, all very faint and dark. The rings are composed of extremely dark particles that vary in size from micrometers to a fraction of a meter.

84
Earth Years
Orbital Period
27
Known Moons
Natural Satellites
2.9
Billion km
From Sun
-197°C
Average Temp
Atmosphere

MAJOR MOONS

TITANIA

Largest moon of Uranus with a diameter of 1,578 km. It has a system of enormous canyons and scarps.

1,578 km 8.7 days

OBERON

Second largest moon with a heavily cratered surface and possible subsurface ocean.

1,523 km 13.5 days

UMBRIEL

Darkest moon with a heavily cratered surface and mysterious bright-ringed crater.

1,170 km 4.1 days

ARIEL

Brightest moon with evidence of past geological activity and extensive valley systems.

1,158 km 2.5 days
VIEW ALL 27 MOONS

EXPLORATION

1986

VOYAGER 2 FLYBY

The only spacecraft to visit Uranus, Voyager 2 flew by the planet in January 1986. It discovered 10 new moons, studied the planet's unique atmosphere, and examined its ring system.

10 New Moons Ring Studies Atmosphere Data
1990s

HUBBLE DISCOVERIES

The Hubble Space Telescope discovered two additional rings and two small moons (Mab and Cupid) in 2005. It also observed seasonal changes in Uranus's atmosphere.

New Rings New Moons Atmosphere Studies
Future

URANUS ORBITER PROBE

NASA and ESA are considering missions to Uranus in the 2030s. The Uranus Orbiter and Probe would conduct in-depth studies of the planet's atmosphere, interior, moons, and rings.

Proposed 2030s Launch Comprehensive Study

AMAZING FACTS

WHY THE NAME URANUS?

Uranus is named after the Greek god of the sky. In Greek mythology, Uranus was the father of Cronus (Saturn) and grandfather of Zeus (Jupiter).

VISIBLE TO THE NAKED EYE

Uranus is just barely visible to the naked eye under very dark, clear conditions. It's often mistaken for a star due to its dimness.

DISCOVERY DATE

Uranus was discovered by William Herschel on March 13, 1781, expanding the known boundaries of the solar system for the first time in modern history.

COLDEST PLANET

Despite being farther from the Sun, Neptune isn't the coldest planet - Uranus holds that record with temperatures reaching -224°C (-371°F).

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