Uranus

Uranus is the seventh planet from the Sun and is the third largest in our solar system. It is a gas giant, similar to Jupiter and Saturn, but it is unique in several ways.

Physical Characteristics

• Color: Uranus has a blue-green color due to the presence of methane in its atmosphere.
• Atmosphere: The atmosphere of Uranus is composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, with traces of methane.
• Rings: Like Saturn, Uranus also has a system of rings, although they are much fainter and less prominent.
• Moons: Uranus has 27 known moons, the largest of which are Titania, Oberon, Umbriel, Ariel, and Miranda.
• Axis Tilt: Uranus has a unique tilt, as its axis is almost parallel to its orbital plane, causing it to rotate on its side.

Interesting Facts

1. Uranus was the first planet to be discovered with the use of a telescope by William Herschel in 1781.
2. It takes Uranus about 84 Earth years to orbit the Sun once.
3. Uranus has extreme seasons due to its unusual tilt, with each pole experiencing 42 years of continuous sunlight followed by 42 years of darkness.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember when studying Uranus:

1. What is the color of Uranus and what causes it?
2. Describe the composition of Uranus' atmosphere.
3. How does Uranus' system of rings compare to that of Saturn?
4. Name at least three of Uranus' moons and describe one interesting fact about each.
5. What is unique about Uranus' axis tilt?
6. Who discovered Uranus, and in what year?
7. How long does it take Uranus to orbit the Sun once?
8. Explain the extreme seasons experienced by Uranus.

Understanding these key points will give you a solid foundation for learning about Uranus and its unique characteristics.

[Uranus] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Our Solar SystemScience • Seventh Grade