Uranus Planet Summary
URANUS
I. Name: URANUS • Ancient Greek deity of the Heavens, the earliest supreme god; • Son and mate of Gaia; • The father of Cronus (Saturn); • Grandfather of Zeus (Jupiter); • The only planet whose name is derived from a figure from Greek mythology rather than Roman mythology:
II. Characteristics • Dim; • Slow orbit; • Atmosphere contains more "ices" such as water, ammonia and methane, along with traces of hydrocarbons; • Coldest planetary atmosphere in Solar System; • Axis of rotation is tilted sideways; • Uranus's rings can sometimes appear to circle the planet like an archery target and its moons revolve around …show more content…
III. Discoverers • William Herschel- announced its discovery on March 13, 1781, expanding the known boundaries of the Solar System for the first time in modern history. • Astronomer Jérôme Lalande- proposed the planet be named Herschel in honour of its discoverer. • The earliest recorded sighting was in 1690 when John Flamsteed observed the planet at least six times, cataloging it as 34 Tauri; • He French astronomer Pierre Lemonnier observed Uranus at least twelve times between 1750 and 1769,including on four consecutive nights.
IV. Natural Satellites • Has 28 known natural satellites; • The names of the satellites were chosen from characters from the works of Shakespeare and Alexander; • The 5 main satellites are: ▪
I. Name: URANUS • Ancient Greek deity of the Heavens, the earliest supreme god; • Son and mate of Gaia; • The father of Cronus (Saturn); • Grandfather of Zeus (Jupiter); • The only planet whose name is derived from a figure from Greek mythology rather than Roman mythology:
II. Characteristics • Dim; • Slow orbit; • Atmosphere contains more "ices" such as water, ammonia and methane, along with traces of hydrocarbons; • Coldest planetary atmosphere in Solar System; • Axis of rotation is tilted sideways; • Uranus's rings can sometimes appear to circle the planet like an archery target and its moons revolve around …show more content…
III. Discoverers • William Herschel- announced its discovery on March 13, 1781, expanding the known boundaries of the Solar System for the first time in modern history. • Astronomer Jérôme Lalande- proposed the planet be named Herschel in honour of its discoverer. • The earliest recorded sighting was in 1690 when John Flamsteed observed the planet at least six times, cataloging it as 34 Tauri; • He French astronomer Pierre Lemonnier observed Uranus at least twelve times between 1750 and 1769,including on four consecutive nights.
IV. Natural Satellites • Has 28 known natural satellites; • The names of the satellites were chosen from characters from the works of Shakespeare and Alexander; • The 5 main satellites are: ▪