This is a serious question none of the endless jokes about Uranus please!
2006-09-03 22:16:52 · 13 answers · asked by bwadsp 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Uranus does have rings as well as Saturn
2006-09-03 22:23:42 · update #1
Axial tilt
One of the most distinctive features of Uranus is its axial tilt of ninety-eight degrees. Consequently, for part of its orbit one pole faces the Sun continually while the other pole faces away. At the other side of Uranus' orbit the orientation of the poles towards the Sun is reversed. Between these two extremes of its orbit the Sun rises and sets around the equator normally.
At the time of Voyager 2's passage in 1986, Uranus' south pole was pointed almost directly at the Sun. Note that the labelling of this pole as "south" is actually in some dispute. Uranus can either be described as having an axial tilt of slightly more than 90°, or it can be described as having an axial tilt of slightly less than 90° and rotating in a retrograde direction; these two descriptions are exactly equivalent as physical descriptions of the planet but result in different definitions of which pole is the north pole and which is the south pole.
One result of this orientation is that the polar regions of Uranus receive a greater energy input from the Sun than its equatorial regions. Uranus is nevertheless hotter at its equator than at its poles, although the underlying mechanism which causes this is unknown. The reason for Uranus' extreme axial tilt is also not known. It is speculated[citation needed] that perhaps during the formation of the planet it collided with an enormous protoplanet, resulting in the skewed orientation.
It appears that Uranus' extreme axial tilt also results in extreme seasonal variations in its weather. During the Voyager 2 flyby, Uranus' banded cloud patterns were extremely bland and faint. Recent Hubble Space Telescope observations, however, show a more strongly banded appearance now that the Sun is approaching Uranus' equator. By 2007 the Sun will be directly over Uranus's equator.
2006-09-03 22:29:28 · answer #1 · answered by M J 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Scientists, Cosmologists and Astrologers believe due to a collision with a giant meteor cause Uranus to 'tilt' causing its axis to 'tilt' as well so that's why its rings and moon are on Uranus side because of the gravity is on its side compared to ours.
2006-09-04 13:28:25 · answer #2 · answered by Syphcis 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason for Uranus' extreme axial tilt is not known. It is speculated that perhaps during the formation of the planet it collided with an enormous protoplanet, resulting in the skewed orientation.
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2006-09-04 06:05:22 · answer #3 · answered by Starreply 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
actually Uranus is on the bottom... ok, serious now. Can't help it, funny name.
(planet)'s axial tilt is almost 90° and its rotation is retrograde.
Venus and (planet) are the only two known planets that have retrograde rotation.
Also equally peculiar is its magnetic field is 60° off the axis of rotation.
Causes are yet unknown.
Probably when man sends more missions there, the answer might be found.
2006-09-04 05:29:44 · answer #4 · answered by DainBramaged 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Seriously, no one knows for sure. Like every thing it has alot of theories but it's a long way out there and even the fact that it is on it's side was debated for a long time. The discovery of the rings was a recent find. They don't know for sure but they are still looking.a
2006-09-04 05:28:00 · answer #5 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What way is the right way up in space? Surely it doesnt matter. So uranus being on its side might not be correct, it might be us remember the universe doesnt revolve around the earth any more, this thoery was rubbished by the 'Heretic' Gallileo
2006-09-04 05:31:39 · answer #6 · answered by poli_b2001 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Watching "The Planets" on digital TV last night, they suggested that this was due to some major collision with the planet as it was forming, such that it was pushed onto its back!
2006-09-04 05:20:46 · answer #7 · answered by Barry C 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
long ago an astroid hit it and tilted it and the gravity that created the moons made them rilt aswelll and also the astroid that hit uranus created its moons
2006-09-04 07:57:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does that mean that its axis of planetary rotation is (roughly) parallel with the plane of the solar system as well, unlike the other planets which as far as I know tend to rotate on an axis which is (roughly) perpendicular...?
2006-09-04 05:26:34 · answer #9 · answered by tjs282 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is on a diagonal axis simialar to that of earth.
2006-09-04 05:53:15 · answer #10 · answered by kevin d 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋