Which are the ice giants?

Cold and dark, Uranus and Neptune are known as ice giants because they are made of a mix of gas and icy materials. Both worlds have small rings and many moons. They have only been visited by one spacecraft, Voyager 2, and are still waiting to be explored.

Spinning on its side

Uranus is the odd-ball of the Solar Systems, as it orbits the Sun tilted on its side! Scientists think this is because Uranus was struck by an Earth-sized object early in its life, knocking it over.

Stormy planet

Neptune is the wildest planet in the Solar System. Winds tear through Neptune’s clouds at speeds of up to 2,000 kph (1,200 mph). These ferocious winds once blew a huge storm across the planet. It was called the Great Dark Spot and it was the size of the Earth!

Great Dark Spot

This storm was spotted by Voyager 2 when it visited Neptune in 1989. It had disappeared by the next time Neptune was viewed.

 

Picture Credit : Google