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Uranus' Rotation and Revolution: A Celestial Dance

Rotation: A 17-Hour Day

In the realm of celestial bodies, the planet Uranus exhibits a unique spin rate. One day on Uranus lasts approximately 17 hours, indicating the time it takes for the planet to complete one full rotation around its axis. This unusually short day is a departure from the rotational periods of other planets in our solar system.

Voyager 2's Discovery

The precise measurement of Uranus' rotation period came courtesy of the Voyager 2 spacecraft. During its encounter with Uranus in 1986, Voyager 2 detected radio wave emissions that repeated over a period of 1724 hours. This observation led scientists to conclude that this periodicity corresponded to Uranus' rotational rate.

Revolution: An 84-Year Journey

While Uranus' day is remarkably short, its journey around the Sun is exceptionally long. It takes Uranus approximately 84 Earth years to complete one full orbit. This prolonged revolution is the longest among all planets in our solar system. Uranus' distance from the Sun – an average of 3 billion kilometers – contributes to its extended orbital period.

As Uranus circles the Sun, it presents a fascinating spectacle. Its axis of rotation is tilted by 98 degrees, causing its polar regions to experience extreme seasons. During its 42-year-long summer, one pole faces the Sun almost continuously, leading to prolonged daylight. Conversely, winter on Uranus brings 42 years of darkness to the opposite pole.

Uranus' unique rotation and revolution have captivated astronomers for centuries. These celestial characteristics set it apart from its planetary neighbors and provide a glimpse into the diverse nature of our solar system.

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