The figure below shows Uranus at different points along its orbit,with its spin axis shown in orange.As measured in Earth years,how long is winter on Uranus?
A) 11 years
B) 21 years
C) 42 years
D) 84 years

Question

The figure below shows Uranus at different points along its orbit,with its spin axis shown in orange.As measured in Earth years,how long is winter on Uranus? 
A) 11 years 
B) 21 years 
C) 42 years 
D) 84 years

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Winter on Uranus lasts for half of its orbital period around the sun, which is about 84 Earth years. Therefore, winter on Uranus would last for 42 years. However, since Uranus is tilted at an angle of 98 degrees, its seasons are much longer than on other planets. During one orbit around the sun, each pole gets 21 years of continuous winter darkness, followed by 42 years of continuous summer sunlight. Therefore, winter on Uranus lasts for 21 Earth years.

The Figure Below Shows Uranus at Different Points Along Its