Uranus

Uranus is the seventh planet from the Sun and is classified as an ice giant. It is named after the ancient Greek deity of the sky, Uranus, the father of Cronus (Saturn) and grandfather of Zeus (Jupiter). Here are some key facts about Uranus:

• Composition: Uranus is primarily composed of rock and various ices, such as water, ammonia, and methane.
• Atmosphere: The planet's atmosphere is mainly made up of hydrogen, helium, and methane, which gives Uranus its blue-green color.
• Axis Tilt: One of the most unique features of Uranus is its extreme axial tilt, which is almost parallel to its orbit around the Sun. This causes the planet to appear to roll on its side as it orbits the Sun.
• Rings: Like Saturn, Uranus has a system of rings, although they are much fainter. These rings are made up of dark particles and are named in order of their discovery: 13 in total.
• Moons: Uranus has 27 known moons, with the five largest ones being Titania, Oberon, Umbriel, Ariel, and Miranda. These moons are made up of a mixture of rock and ice.
• Discovery: Uranus was discovered by the astronomer William Herschel in 1781, making it the first planet to be discovered with a telescope.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember when studying Uranus:

1. What is the composition of Uranus?
2. Describe the planet's atmosphere and its unique color.
3. What is the axial tilt of Uranus, and how does it affect the planet's appearance?
4. How does the system of rings around Uranus compare to those of Saturn?
5. Name the five largest moons of Uranus and describe their composition.
6. Who discovered Uranus, and in what year?

Understanding these key points will give you a solid foundation in the study of Uranus.

[Uranus] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Our Solar SystemScience • Seventh Grade