Why Does Uranus Roll on Its Side?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why does Uranus roll on its side?

The Big Idea

Uranus rolls on its side because its spin axis is tipped over about 98 degrees! Scientists think a giant object may have crashed into it long ago. So Uranus spins like a ball rolling along its orbit. A tilted planet has extreme seasons, lasting for decades!

A Sideways Spin

Step one: a sideways spin. Earth's tilt is only about 23 degrees, so we spin more or less upright. Uranus is tilted so far over that its poles point almost at the Sun at times.

A Giant Crash?

Step two: a possible crash. Early in the solar system, huge objects crashed around a lot. Scientists think a large body, maybe as big as Earth, may have knocked Uranus over, though nobody knows for sure.

Decade-Long Seasons

Step three: strange seasons. Uranus takes 84 Earth years to orbit the Sun once. That means each pole gets about 42 years of sunlight, then 42 years of darkness!

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at Uranus! Its axis is tipped over on its side. An ancient crash may have done it. Each pole faces the Sun for decades. Then it sits in darkness for just as long!

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Uranus was discovered in 1781 by William Herschel. It has more than 25 known moons, named after characters in stories. Its atmosphere makes it look pale blue-green. Venus is also strange, since it spins backward.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Spin a globe on its side, like Uranus. Ask a grown-up to help. Watch how the poles face forward. Now tip it upright, like Earth. What looks different to you?

Outro

Uranus rolls along on its side. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!