Uranus: The Ice Giant of the Solar System
Uranus, the seventh planet from the Sun, is often referred to as the “ice giant” due to its unique composition and cold atmosphere. Unlike the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn, Uranus has a larger proportion of icy materials such as water, ammonia, and methane. Discovered by astronomer William Herschel in 1781, Uranus was the first planet found using a telescope, marking a major milestone in astronomy. Physical Characteristics and Composition Uranus is the third-largest planet in the solar system b