Uranus

Part of

• All About Outer Space

Standards alignment

Common Core State Standards

• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.

Alabama

• SC23.6.4 — Analyze and use data to determine scale properties and characteristics of objects in the solar system including sizes, distances, orbital periods, basic composition, and ability to support life.
• SC23.6.1a — Construct an evidence-based explanation of how the relative positions of the sun and Earth result in observable phenomena, including day and night cycles, length of year, and seasons.

Alaska

• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• This model of the solar system can explain eclipses of the sun and the moon. Earth’s spin axis is fixed in direction over the short-term but tilted relative to its orbit around the sun. The seasons are a result of that tilt and are caused by the differential intensity of sunlight on different areas of Earth across the year.

Arizona

• E2 — The Earth and our solar system are a very small part of one of many galaxies within the Universe.
• Natural objects and/or observable phenomena exist from the very small to the immensely large or from very short to very long time periods.

Arkansas

• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.

California

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
• This model of the solar system can explain eclipses of the sun and the moon. Earth’s spin axis is fixed in direction over the short-term but tilted relative to its orbit around the sun. The seasons are a result of that tilt and are caused by the differential intensity of sunlight on different areas of Earth across the year.

Colorado

• ESS1.A — The Universe and its Stars: Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon and stars in the sky can be observed, described and predicted. At night one can see the light coming from many stars with the naked eye, but telescopes make it possible to see many more and to observe them and the moon and planets in greater detail.
• ESS1.B — Earth and the Solar System: The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon and stars at different times of the day, month and year.
• ESS1.B — Earth and the Solar System: Seasonal patterns of sunrise and sunset can be observed, described and predicted.

Connecticut

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.

Delaware

• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• This model of the solar system can explain eclipses of the sun and the moon. Earth’s spin axis is fixed in direction over the short-term but tilted relative to its orbit around the sun. The seasons are a result of that tilt and are caused by the differential intensity of sunlight on different areas of Earth across the year.

Florida

• SC.5.E.5.2 — Recognize the major common characteristics of all planets and compare/contrast the properties of inner and outer planets.
• SC.4.E.6.5 — Investigate how technology and tools help to extend the ability of humans to observe very small things and very large things.

Georgia

• S4E1.a — Ask questions to compare and contrast technological advances that have changed the amount and type of information on distant objects in the sky.
• S4E1.d — Evaluate strengths and limitations of models of our solar system in describing relative size, order, appearance and composition of planets and the sun.
• S4E1.c — Construct an explanation of the differences between stars and planets.
• S4E2.a — Develop a model to support an explanation of why the length of day and night change throughout the year.

Hawaii

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
• This model of the solar system can explain eclipses of the sun and the moon. Earth’s spin axis is fixed in direction over the short-term but tilted relative to its orbit around the sun. The seasons are a result of that tilt and are caused by the differential intensity of sunlight on different areas of Earth across the year.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Idaho

• The solar system consists of the Sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the Sun by its gravitational pull on them. (MS-ESS-1.2, MS-ESS-1.3)
• MS-ESS-1.3 — Students who demonstrate understanding can: Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
• The orbits of Earth around the Sun and of the Moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the Sun, Moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year. (5-ESS1.2)

Illinois

• ESS1.B-E1 — The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
• ESS1.B-M1 — The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• ESS1.B-M2 — This model of the solar system can explain eclipses of the sun and the moon. Earth’s spin axis is fixed in direction over the short-term but tilted relative to its orbit around the sun. The seasons are a result of that tilt and are caused by the differential intensity of sunlight on different areas of Earth across the year.

Indiana

• 5.ESS.1 — Analyze the scale of our solar system and its components: our solar system includes the sun, moon, seven other planets and their moons, and many other objects like asteroids and comets.
• 6.ESS.3 — Compare and contrast the Earth, its moon, and other planets in the solar system, including comets and asteroids. (Comparisons should be made in regard to size, surface features, atmospheric characteristics, and the ability to support life.)
• 6.ESS.2 — Design models to describe how Earth's rotation, revolution, tilt, and interaction with the sun and moon cause seasons, tides, changes in daylight hours, eclipses, and phases of the moon.

Iowa

• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.

Kansas

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.

Kentucky

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
• This model of the solar system can explain eclipses of the sun and the moon. Earth’s spin axis is fixed in direction over the short-term but tilted relative to its orbit around the sun. The seasons are a result of that tilt and are caused by the differential intensity of sunlight on different areas of Earth across the year.

Louisiana

• Read grade-appropriate texts and/or use media to obtain scientific and/or technical information to determine patterns in and/or evidence about the natural and designed world(s).
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Maine

• Obtain and combine information from books and other reliable media to explain phenomena.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
• 5-ESS1-1 — Support an argument that the apparent brightness of the sun and stars is due to their relative distances from the Earth.

Maryland

• DCI.ESS1.B.3-5.1 — The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
• DCI.ESS1.B.6-8.1 — The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• DCI.ESS1.B.6-8.2 — This model of the solar system can explain eclipses of the sun and the moon. Earth’s spin axis is fixed in direction over the short-term but tilted relative to its orbit around the sun. The seasons are a result of that tilt and are caused by the differential intensity of sunlight on different areas of Earth across the year.

Massachusetts

• 5-ESS1-2 — Use a model to communicate Earth’s relationship to the Sun, Moon, and other stars that explain (a) why people on Earth experience day and night, (b) patterns in daily changes in length and direction of shadows over a day, and (c) changes in the apparent position of the Sun, Moon, and stars at different times during a day, over a month, and over a year.

Michigan

• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Minnesota

• 6E.2.1.1.1 — Analyze and interpret data to determine similarities and differences among features and processes occurring on solar system objects. (P: 4, CC: 3, CI: ESS1)

Mississippi

• E.2.8.3 — Observe and compare the details in images of the moon and planets using the perspective of the naked eye, telescopes, and data from space exploration.
• E.2.8.4 — With teacher support, gain an understanding that scientists are humans who use observations and experiments to learn about space. Obtain information from informational text or other media about scientists who have made important discoveries about objects in space (e.g., Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler, George Ellery Hale, Jill Tarter) or the development of technologies (e.g., various telescopes and detection devices, computer modeling, and space exploration).
• E.5.8A.1 — Develop and use scaled models of Earth’s solar system to demonstrate the size, composition (i.e., rock or gas), location, and order of the planets as they orbit the Sun.
• E.5.8B.3 — Develop and use models to explain the factors (e.g., tilt, revolution, and angle of sunlight) that result in Earth’s seasonal changes.
• E.6.8.4 — Obtain and evaluate information to model and compare the characteristics and movements of objects in the solar system (including planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and meteors).

Missouri

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.

Montana

• 5-ESS1-2 — graph the daily changes in the length, shape, and direction of shadows; lengths of day and night; and the seasonal appearance of select stars to communicate the patterns of the earth's movement and describe how astronomical knowledge is used by American Indians.
• MS-ESS1-3 — analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system;

Nebraska

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
• SC.5.11.3 — Gather and analyze data to communicate understanding of space systems: Earth’s stars and solar system.

Nevada

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.

New Hampshire

• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• SS.GE.4.3.3 — Describe how the Earth-Sun relationship affects conditions on Earth, e.g., seasons at different locations on Earth, length of daylight. (Themes: C: People, Places and Environment)

New Jersey

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
• This model of the solar system can explain eclipses of the sun and the moon. Earth’s spin axis is fixed in direction over the short-term but tilted relative to its orbit around the sun. The seasons are a result of that tilt and are caused by the differential intensity of sunlight on different areas of Earth across the year.

New Mexico

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.

New York

• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.

North Carolina

• ESS.3.1.1 — Use models to recognize that the Earth is part of a system called the solar system that includes the sun (a star), planets, and many moons, and that the Earth is the third planet from the sun.
• ESS.6.1.2 — Analyze and interpret data to compare the planets in our solar system in terms of: size and gravitational force relative to Earth, surface and atmospheric features, relative distance from the sun, and ability to support life.
• ESS.4.1.1 — Use models to explain the cause of day and night based on the rotation of the Earth on its axis.
• ESS.6.1.4 — Analyze and interpret data from historical and ongoing space exploration to illustrate the size and scale of the components of our solar system, galaxy, and universe.

North Dakota

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• This model of the solar system can explain eclipses of the sun and the moon. Earth’s spin axis is fixed in direction over the short-term but tilted relative to its orbit around the sun. The seasons are a result of that tilt and are caused by the differential intensity of sunlight on different areas of Earth across the year.
• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.

Ohio

• 5.ESS.1 — The solar system includes the sun and all celestial bodies that orbit the sun. Each planet in the solar system has unique characteristics.
• 5.ESS.3 — Most of the cycles and patterns of motion between the Earth and sun are predictable.

Oklahoma

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them. (8.ESS1.2, 8.ESS1.3)
• Earth's spin axis is fixed in direction over the short term, but tilted relative to its orbit around the Sun. (8.ESS1.1)
• The seasons are a result of that tilt and are caused by the differential intensity of sunlight on different areas of Earth across the year. (8.ESS1.1)

Oregon

• 5.ESS1.1 — Support an argument that the apparent brightness of the sun and stars is due to their relative distances from Earth. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is to obtain information and construct an explanation on how the scale of the distance to objects giving off light affects the brightness of objects (e.g. nearby streetlights appear bigger and brighter than distant streetlights).] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment is limited to relative distances, not sizes, of stars. Assessment does not include other factors that affect apparent brightness (such as stellar masses, age, and stage).]
• 5.ESS1.2 — Represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky. [Clarification Statement: Examples of patterns could include the position and motion of Earth with respect to the sun and selected stars that are visible only in particular months.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include causes of seasons.]

Pennsylvania

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.

Rhode Island

• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.

South Carolina

• 5-ESS1-2.DCI.B: — Earth and the Solar System The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year. NRC Framework Link
• 5-ESS1-1.DCI.A: — The Universe and Its Stars The sun is a star that appears larger and brighter than other stars because it is closer. Stars range greatly in their distance from Earth. NRC Framework Link

South Dakota

• Supporting the argument that distance from the Earth plays a role in the brightness of the sun and other stars.
• 5-ESS1-1 — Support an argument that differences in the apparent brightness of the sun compared to other stars is due to distances from the Earth.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Tennessee

• 1.ESS1.2 — Observe natural objects in the sky that can be seen from Earth with the naked eye and recognize that a telescope, used as a tool, can provide greater detail of objects in the sky.
• 3.ESS1.1 — Use data to categorize the planets in the solar system as inner or outer planets according to their physical properties.
• 5.ESS1.5 — Relate the tilt of the Earth’s axis, as it revolves around the sun, to the varying intensities of sunlight at different latitudes. Evaluate how this causes changes in day-lengths and seasons.

Texas

• 2.9B — observe objects in the sky using tools such as a telescope and compare how objects in the sky are more visible and can appear different with a tool than with an unaided eye.
• 3.8D — identify the planets in Earth's solar system and their position in relation to the Sun.
• 3.9B — identify the order of the planets in Earth's solar system in relation to the Sun.
• 6.11A — describe the physical properties, locations, and movements of the Sun, planets, moons, meteors, asteroids, and comets;

Utah

• 6.1.3 — Use computational thinking to analyze data and determine the scale and properties of objects in the solar system. Examples of scale could include size or distance. Examples of properties could include layers, temperature, surface features, or orbital radius. Data sources could include Earth and space-based instruments such as telescopes or satellites. Types of data could include graphs, data tables, drawings, photographs, or models. (ESS1.A, ESS1.B)

Vermont

• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• This model of the solar system can explain eclipses of the sun and the moon. Earth’s spin axis is fixed in direction over the short-term but tilted relative to its orbit around the sun. The seasons are a result of that tilt and are caused by the differential intensity of sunlight on different areas of Earth across the year.

Virginia

• 4.5.a — Planets rotate on their axes and revolve around the sun.
• 4.5.b — Planets have characteristics and a specific order in the solar system.
• 4.5.c — The sizes of the sun and planets can be compared to one another.

Washington

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
• 5-ESS1-1 — Support an argument that the apparent brightness of the sun and stars is due to their relative distances from the Earth.

Washington, D.C.

• Obtain and combine information from books and other reliable media to explain phenomena.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

West Virginia

• Investigating and explaining cause and effect
• Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
• Building and appropriately using science domain vocabulary and phrases

Wisconsin

• 5 — The Earth’s orbit and rotation, and the orbit of the moon around the Earth cause observable patterns.
• The solar system contains many varied objects held together by gravity. Solar system models explain and predict eclipses, lunar phases, and seasons.

Wyoming

• The Earth’s orbit and rotation, and the orbit of the moon around the Earth cause observable patterns.