Inside Uranus

Planetary core

Uranus’ core extends to about a fifth of the planet’s full diameter, and is made of rock, ice and silica. Its temperature is thought to be around 5,000°C (9,032°F).

Icy mantle

This isn’t ice as we know it. Uranus’ mantle is made up of a hot, dense fluid scientists refer to as a waterammonia ocean.

Potential heattrapping layer

Scientists have not confirmed the existence of a layer around Uranus’ ice layer trapping heat and making it appear cooler, but one could have formed during a giant impact.

Atmosphere

Uranus looks bluish-green through a telescope thanks to the methane in its atmosphere. It also contains hydrogen, helium, acetylene and other hydrocarbons.