Chapter IV
The Three Trans–Saturnal PlanetsUranus
Fig. 4.11 Uranus FieldUranus is the only planet which lies on its side as it revolves around the sun. It is invisible
to the naked eye and was unknown until 1781. The astronomer William Henschel discov-
ered it with the use of a telescope. According to scientific models, the outer layer would
consist of hydrogen and helium covering a mantle of fluid frozen methane, ammonia and
water. Inside would consist of a stony center of metals and silicate. The temperature would
be around – 215 °C. It has a diffuse belt of rings and 15 satellites.