Uranus

The 7th planet from the sun.

• Uranus is the 7th planet from the sun in our solar system.   It is approximately 1,784 million miles from the sun.
• Uranus is about 31,763 miles in diameter.  It is the 3nd largest planet in our solar system.  The Earth could fit 4 times across the diameter of Uranus.
• It takes Uranus about 84 Earth years to orbit the sun one time.
• A day (from sunrise to sunset) on Uranus is only about 17 hours.
• Uranus's atmosphere is made up of hydrogen, helium, and methane.  The methane makes it look greenish-blue in color.
• Uranus has 11 thin rings around the planet.
• The average temperature in Uranus's atmosphere is -350° F.
• Uranus has at least 15 known satellites, or moons, and there may be more.
• Uranus was discovered in 1781 by a British astronomer, Sir William Herschel.  The planet was originally named Georgian Sidas (Star of George) in honor of the King.
• In 1986, the spacecraft Voyager 2 flew by to take pictures and made discoveries such as new moons.
• Uranus looks to be tipped on its side.  Some scientists think that a comet may have hit Uranus causing it to tilt.
• Pluto is named after the Roman God of the heavens.