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Uranus, first catalogued by astronomer William Herschel in 1781, sits as the seventh planet from the Sun. Its diameter is almost identical to Neptune’s, yet it harbors a unique composition that sets it apart.
The planet’s envelope is dominated by 83 % hydrogen and 15 % helium, with trace amounts of ammonia (NH₃) and methane (CH₄). The methane absorbs red light and scatters blue, giving Uranus its characteristic hue.
At the heart of Uranus lies a rocky‑ice core rich in water, methane, and ammonia. The planet boasts a complex ring system—13 narrow rings that encircle it—and over 27 known moons, each with its own intriguing geology.
For detailed, peer‑reviewed data, consult NASA’s planetary science portal or the Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Solar System Dynamics site.
