Uranus and Neptune

Uranus's symbol (♅) features a circle with a dot and an "H," representing the Sun and honoring its discoverer, William Herschel. Neptune's symbol (♆) is a trident, symbolizing Poseidon, the Roman god of the sea, and the planet’s deep blue color.

List of Satellites

Uranus' Largest Satellites

Neptune's Largest Satellites

Topic Specific Questions

Why do some say that Uranus and Neptune should be called “Ice Giants” and not “Gas Giants”?

Uranus and Neptune are made up of heavier elements such as water, methane and ammonia. Which with the extreme cold of Uranus and Neptune would be frozen solid. Although still mostly made of gas but with more ice than Jupiter and Saturn.

Discuss the origin and make-up of their rings.

Just like Jupiter and Saturn, both Uranus and Neptune have rings. Although scientists are still hypothesizing the origin of them. We do know however that they are made up of mostly ices just like their core. Water, methane and ammonia.

What evidence points to the likeliness that these two planets likely formed closer to Jupiter and Saturn, and how did they end up where they are now?

Computer simulations suggest that the 4 gas giants were formed near where the Kuiper belt is today. As time passed Uranus and Neptune moved outward and Jupiter and Saturn moved in.

What leads astronomers to suggest that Triton had an active past, and what source of energy powers this activity?

One of Neptune’s moons, Triton, has lots of dark volcanic plumes erupting all over its Southern Hemisphere. Scientists think it could be linked to an underground liquid water ocean.

Fact Sheet!

Uranus

Neptune