How Far is Uranus from Earth?
Orbit of Uranus. Image credit: IFA
[/caption]
Let’s see how far away Uranus is from the Earth. First consider the fact that both Earth and Uranus are orbiting the Sun. This means that the distance between them can change, depending on their relatively positions in the Solar System.
The closest Uranus can get to Earth is 2.57 billion km.
Imagine Earth, Uranus and the Sun are all in straight line. When Uranus is at its closest point to Earth, the three objects are lined up with the Sun, Earth and Uranus. This is when Uranus is a mere 2.57 billion km. But Earth and Uranus are located on opposite sides of the Sun, they’re at their most distant point. When this happens, they’re 3.15 billion km.
What about the other planets? Here’s how far away Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are from Earth.
If you’d like more info on Uranus, check out Hubblesite’s News Releases about Uranus. And here’s a link to the NASA’s Solar System Exploration Guide to Uranus.
We have recorded an episode of Astronomy Cast just about Uranus. You can access it here: Episode 62: Uranus.
Recent Posts
Is the JWST Now an Interplanetary Meteorologist?
The JWST keeps one-upping itself. In the telescope's latest act of outdoing itself, it examined…
Solar Orbiter Takes a Mind-Boggling Video of the Sun
You've seen the Sun, but you've never seen the Sun like this. This single frame…
What Can AI Learn About the Universe?
Artificial intelligence and machine learning have become ubiquitous, with applications ranging from data analysis, cybersecurity,…
Enceladus’s Fault Lines are Responsible for its Plumes
The Search for Life in our Solar System leads seekers to strange places. From our…
Lunar Explorers Could Run to Create Artificial Gravity for Themselves
Few things in life are certain. But it seems highly probable that people will explore…
This is an Actual Picture of Space Debris
Space debris is a growing problem, so companies are working on ways to mitigate it.…