SCIENTIFIC FACT SHEET · ICE GIANT
Uranus
Uranus rotates almost on its side, possibly because of an ancient collision. Methane in its atmosphere absorbs red light and contributes to its blue-green colour.
The tilted giant
Values are rounded for readability. The figures and 3D representation are explained in the Method section.
Composition and interior
Uranus is an ice giant. Its interior is thought to contain a dense mixture of water, methane and ammonia around a small rocky core, beneath hydrogen and helium outer layers.
Atmosphere and environment
Methane in its atmosphere absorbs some red light and contributes to its blue-green colour. Uranus also has dark rings and many moons.
Exploration
Voyager 2 remains the only spacecraft to have flown past Uranus, in January 1986. Hubble and James Webb observe its clouds, auroras and changing rings.
A remarkable fact
Its axis is tilted by about 98 degrees: Uranus appears to roll along its orbit. Each season lasts nearly 21 Earth years.
THE ESSENTIALS
Three things to remember about Uranus
- Uranus rotates almost on its side.
- A year on Uranus lasts 84 Earth years.
- It is surrounded by thin, dark rings.