Why Are Uranus and Neptune So Different From Each Other?

Giant impacts could explain the many differences between the ice giants of our solar system, computer simulations show.

By Erika K. Carlson
Feb 4, 2020 10:45 PMFeb 5, 2020 5:03 PM
uranus and neptune-Voyager2
The Voyager 2 mission photographed the two ice giants, Uranus (left) and Neptune (right). (Credit: Left: NASA/JPL-Caltech; Right: NASA)

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The ice giant planets Uranus and Neptune seem like they should look the same. They have similar masses, sizes and distances from the sun, and scientists long thought they formed in a similar way. But we need only look at them to see that the two planets are obviously different. It's an indication they might not be as similar as they seem at first blush.

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