Uranus rotates once every 17 hours and 14 minutes, but its axial tilt of 97.77° means it essentially rolls around the Sun on its side. This extreme tilt causes each pole to experience 42 years of continuous sunlight followed by 42 years of darkness during its 84-Earth-year orbit.
The planet rotates retrograde like Venus. Its atmosphere reaches temperatures of −224 °C, making it the coldest planetary atmosphere in the Solar System despite not being the farthest from the Sun. Uranus has 13 known rings and 27 moons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a day on Uranus?
Uranus rotates once every 17 hours 14 minutes, though its extreme axial tilt makes "day" complex.
Why does Uranus rotate on its side?
A massive collision early in the Solar System's history is believed to have knocked Uranus onto its side, giving it a 97.77° axial tilt.
How long is a Uranus year?
Uranus takes 84 Earth years to orbit the Sun — meaning each pole gets 42 years of continuous sunlight then 42 years of darkness.