| Diameter |
51,118
km |
| Average
distance from Sun |
2,870,990,000
kilometres |
| Time
taken to orbit Sun |
84
years |
| Time
taken to turn on axis |
17
hours, 14 minutes |
| Surface
gravity (Earth = 1) |
1.11 |
| Atmosphere |
Hydrogen,
helium, methane |
| Average
surface temperature |
-210°c |
|
In 1781, Uranus was the first planet
to be "discovered" - all of the other planets had been observed
from Earth since ancient times. It is a dull blue colour, mainly
consisting of gas with a possible rocky core. Uranus has a faint ring
system and at least 27 moons orbiting it. The planet is unusual because it
orbits the Sun on its side, possibly the result of a collision during the
formation of the Solar System. |
