Uranus
Ice Giant
Uranus is tipped over almost completely on its side, likely from an ancient collision, so it essentially rolls around the Sun rather than spinning upright like the other planets. It is classified as an ice giant, built from water, ammonia, and methane ice.
Field Notes
- Uranus's axial tilt is about 98 degrees, so it essentially rolls along its orbit rather than spinning upright.
- Its pale cyan color comes from methane in the upper atmosphere absorbing red light.
- A single Uranian season lasts about 21 Earth years due to its extreme tilt and 84-year orbit.
| Planet Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Radius | 25,362 km |
| Mass | 8.681 × 10²⁵ kg |
| Distance from Sun | 2.871B km |
| Rotation Speed | 14,794 km/h |