The Planet Uranus
Name: Uranus was discovered by the British astronomer William Herschel in 1871. At the time King George III was on the throne in England. The astronomer wanted to name the planet George, in honor of his king. This idea proved unpopular with astronomers from other countries. Instead they decided to call it after the ancient Greek God of the Sky, Ouranos, (Uranus is another spelling of the same name). It is the only planet named after a Greek, rather than a Roman God.
Diameter: 31,764 miles/ 51119.20 Kilometers
Temperature: -350°F; -212°C
Fun Uranus Facts: What’s one weird thing about Uranus? It’s the only planet to spin on its side! Most planets are like a spinning top when pressed down. That’s how they rotate. But imagine tipping that top over and spinning its middle. That’s how Uranus rolls!
Uranus is another gas planet. Hydrogen and helium are the main gases. Scientists believe it has an icy-rather than rocky core-made up of water, methane and ammonia.
You have to use a telescope to see Uranus. When you look at it, you’ll see it has a blue –green light. Sunlight reflects from Uranus’s clouds, which lie beneath a layer of methane gas. This gives Uranus its distinctive color.
And then there’s Uranus’s funny name. The only planet that makes school children giggle the world over. However-according to NASA-it’s actually pronounced YOOR-un-us. At least that’s the only way they say it…without blushing!
Uranus also plays a starring role in the eighth book of the Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures series. In book eight, Amelia, the Urano and the Seer of all Time, Amelia and Uglesnoo, her alien friend from Pluto visit Uranus and face their biggest challenge so far. They need to find something that does not exist. Or does it? Uglesnoo struggles to believe. Amelia has many obstacles to overcome before she can get the next item off the list. Curious about the series?
Next post: Fun facts about the planet Neptune.
Evonne Blanchard is the author of, Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace, Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage and Amelia, the Merballs and the Emerald Cannon. These are the first three books in Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures. The author is currently working on the fourth book in the series, Amelia, the Snapperjacks and the Molten Maze.
Ever wondered if aliens exist? What if one needed your help? Would you travel into outer space? For the adventures…of a lifetime!
Now Available!
Book Three: Amelia, the Merballs and the Emerald Cannon
Amelia and Uglesnoo land on Mercury. They meet the Merballs, the friendly aliens that live there. All goes well until an asteroid hits their planet. Amelia and Uglesnoo find themselves in deep trouble. How will they convince the Merballs
of their innocence? And how will they manage to collect the flying shoes, escape Mercury and continue their quest to save Uglesnoo’s sister?
To preview or buy the book, click below:
“Adventure, inventiveness, and humor merge in this quirky, appealing tale.”
—Kirkus Reviews.
“…This third book is even more original, fun and creative! With aliens, different planets, a good dose of humor and excellent storytelling that is age-appropriate, this is one of the best kids series out there. The illustrations are pretty fun too and fit the story well.”
—I Heart Reading
Book Two: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage
Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help. His sister is very sick. The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune. With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest. More items are needed to buy the crystal. But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens. Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?
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“A lively sequel offers a sure-handed blend of fantasy, humor, adventure, and an ingenious heroine.” Kirkus Reviews
5/5 star rating! “Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage is a wonderful children’s book that will allow your kids to get started in the Sci-Fi genre… The story is intriguing and well thought out. All in all, the author did a great job of creating an engaging story that kept my kids interested. We are definitely looking forward to the next book!”- Examiner.com
Book One: Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace
When is a present not a present? When it’s a friendly purple alien called Uglesnoo, from the planet Pluto! Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon. Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia’s help. Should Amelia venture into outer Space?
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“Appealing Illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books.” – Kirkus Reviews
“The story is imaginative and fun…and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention.” —Beautiful Books for Children
Amelia's Amazing Space Adventures 