Uranus, the seventh planet from the Sun, has its axis spin almost in the plane of its orbit about the
Sun. This produces unusual seasons and also causes unique magnetic and electric field structures. Uranus has a faint ring
system and
27 known moons.
The atmosphere of Uranus is composed of 83% hydrogen, 15% helium, 2% methane and small amounts of acetylene and other hydrocarbons.
Methane in the upper atmosphere absorbs red light, giving Uranus its blue-green color. The atmosphere is arranged into clouds
running at constant latitudes, similar to the orientation of the more vivid latitudinal bands seen on Jupiter and Saturn.
Winds at mid-latitudes on Uranus blow in the direction of the planet's rotation. These winds blow at velocities of 40 to 160
meters per second (90 to 360 miles per hour). Radio science experiments found winds of about 100 meters per second blowing
in the opposite direction at the equator.
