Since 1977, we've known that Uranus has a ring system around its equator. To date, astronomers have counted 13 rings encircling the planet. The structures are relatively dim and lack the fine particles observed in other ring systems (like Saturn's). Each one is composed of debris chunks that are golf ball-sized at minimum. For some reason, smaller material gets exiled into the spaces between these rings.
Uranus also has 27 known moons, 25 of which were named after Shakespeare characters like Ophelia, Juliet, Desdemona and Puck. Then there's Miranda, whose namesake appears in "The Tempest" (one of the Bard's later plays).
Geologically complex, Miranda contains the single tallest cliff known to mankind. Dubbed "Verona Rupes," it has an estimated height of 12.4 miles (20 kilometers). If a clumsy human were to fall off the peak, scientists think he or she would plummet for 12 minutes straight before hitting the ground.
Other satellites of note include Sycorax and Caliban. While most of Uranus's moons spin in the same direction as the planet does, these two revolve the other way. Scientists think they were once independent objects that the ice giant's gravity ensnared. By the way, Caliban is another "Tempest" character — and Sycorax was said to be his mother.
From its weird rings to its puzzling climate, Uranus has found plenty of ways to surprise us. Only time will tell what further mysteries the planet holds. To steal a line from "Hamlet," "There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."
Originally Published: May 8, 2020