Uranus is the seventh planet in the solar system and the largest of the ice giants. In addition, its atmosphere is more similar to that of Neptune than that of Saturn or Jupiter. Likewise, the strange orientation of the planet, which orbits the Sun tilted on its side, shows that its inner core has a greater influence on its weather patterns than the Sun itself.
Atmospheric composition
Uranus’ atmosphere is made up mainly of hydrogen and helium. Unlike Jupiter and Saturn, these light gases are only found on the outer edges of the planet, so they do not contribute significantly to the rocky interior. Also, Uranus’ blue color is due to the presence of methane, which absorbs most of the red light.
In the air of Uranus there are also traces of hydrocarbons. Likewise, in its icy atmosphere it is possible to find compounds of water, ammonia and possibly methane.
Layers of the atmosphere
As on Earth, Uranus’ atmosphere is divided into layers depending on temperature and pressure. Thus, after its surface (the region where the atmospheric pressure exceeds one bar) is the troposphere, where the atmosphere is densest. The temperature ranges from minus 153 degrees Celsius to minus 218 degrees, with the upper regions being noticeably cooler.
Within the troposphere there are different layers of clouds. First are the low water clouds, with ammonium hydrosulfide clouds above them. Then there are the clouds of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. Lastly, you will find the methane clouds at the top. The troposphere extends approximately 50 kilometers from the surface of the planet.
On the other hand, radiation from the Sun and space heats Uranus’ stratosphere from minus 218 degrees Celsius to minus 153 degrees. The stratosphere contains ethane, acetylene, and methane. In addition, the thermosphere reaches temperatures of 577 degrees, although scientists are not sure why. Because the distance from the Sun to Uranus is so great, the amount of heat coming from the star is insufficient to generate such high temperatures.
Finally there are the powerful outer layers. These create a drag on the ring particles that orbit the planet.
