Uranus is an oddball in the solar system as it has retrograde rotation- opposite that of the Earth.
We all know that all the eight planets of our solar system revolve around the sun as well as rotate on their own axis. While, six of these planets including Earth rotate in prograde direction, two of the planets – Venus and Uranus rotate in retrograde direction which is opposite to what other planets do. This means six planets spin in a counter-clockwise direction including our Earth, but Uranus spins in a clockwise direction. Not just that, Uranus is the oddest planet of them all as it spins on its side. Its tilt is so much that is is now on its side rtaher than almost straight or slightly tilted like other, ‘normal’ planets. Interestingly, scientists don’t have any solid theories till date that can explain these distinct movements. But there are a couple of theories that can answer a few major questions.
Why does Uranus spin in retrograde rotation?
Though there are no such confirmed explanations of why Uranus spins clockwise, there are a few theories that might explain this question. One of the most popular explanations for Uranus rotating in clockwise direction is that the planet earlier used to rotate counter-clockwise just like Earth and the other planets still do. However, over millions of years, it may have been hit by some massive object or objects including perhaps, other planets or asteroids that sent it spinning in the opposite direction. According to Scienecalert.com, “In 2011, simulations suggested that a number of smaller collisions, rather than one big impact, knocked Uranus’ spin to an angle of 98 degrees.” Earth’s spin axis is 23 degrees compared to its orbital plane around the Sun.
Another hypothesis suggests that Uranus once had a large moon and its gravitational pull caused the planet to fall on its side. However, researchers expect that the moon could have been knocked out of orbit by another planet, similar to the cosmic pinball.
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