Planets

Uranus

The sideways ice giant

Uranus

About Uranus

Uranus is the seventh planet from the Sun and rotates on its side with an axial tilt of 98 degrees. It is an ice giant with a blue-green appearance.

Scientific Facts

Uranus has a diameter of 50,724 km. Its atmosphere contains methane, giving it its blue color. It has 27 known moons.

Interesting Facts

Uranus rotates on its side – likely from a massive ancient collision. Its magnetic field is tilted 60 degrees from its rotation axis.

Fun Facts

Uranus was the first planet discovered with a telescope. Its moon Miranda has 20 km tall cliffs.

Discovery

Discovered by William Herschel in 1781.

Quick Facts

Category Planets
Distance from Earth 2.87 billion km
Size 50,724 km diameter
Temperature Average -195°C