FACTS:
Satellites: 27 moons
- Using a telescope, Sir William Herschel was the first to observe Uranus on March 13, 1781, mistaking it for a comet.
- Unlike the rest of the planets in the Solar System, Uranus' axis of rotation is on its side; on the plane of the Solar System. Meaning what we would consider its North/South poles are located where Earth's equator is.
- Voyager 2 is the only space probe to fly-by Uranus and Neptune.
- Uranus is unique in that in visible light it is a virtually featureless planet. It comes across as very hazy blue in color.
URANUS
INFORMATION:
- MASS: ≈ 8.683×1025 kg
- DIAMETER: ≈ 31,763 miles
- TEMPERATURE: ≈ -353° F ("surface")