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Uranus and Neptune

Uranus and Neptune are ice giants far from the Sun. Uranus spins on its side and Neptune has the fastest winds in the solar system.

๐Ÿ’ก Fun fact

Neptune takes about 165 Earth years to orbit the Sun once.

All about Uranus and Neptune

Uranus and Neptune are known as ice giants because they contain a lot of water, ammonia and methane ice. They are far from the Sun and very cold. Uranus is tilted on its side, so its poles point almost at the Sun during parts of its orbit.

Neptune is the farthest planet from the Sun and has the fastest winds in the Solar System, reaching more than 2,000 kilometres per hour. Its deep blue colour comes from methane in its atmosphere, which absorbs red light.

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Real-life uses of Uranus and Neptune

  • Understanding how ice giants form
  • Helping scientists study planets outside our Solar System
  • Planning missions to distant planets

Frequently asked questions about Uranus and Neptune

Why is Uranus blue-green?

Methane in its atmosphere absorbs red light and reflects blue-green light.

Has a spacecraft visited Neptune?

Yes. Voyager 2 flew past Neptune in 1989, and it is the only spacecraft to have visited it so far.

How long does Neptune take to orbit the Sun?

About 165 Earth years.