Which planet is tipped on its side relative to its rotation?

Which planet is tipped on its side relative to its rotation?

• A. Uranus
• B. Jupiter
• C. Earth
• D. Neptune

Answer: (A)

Axial tilt determines how a planet spins relative to its orbit. Uranus has an extreme tilt—about 98 degrees—so its rotation axis lies almost in the plane of its orbit. This makes it appear to roll on its side as it spins. In contrast, Jupiter’s tilt is only a few degrees, Earth’s is about 23.5 degrees, and Neptune’s is around 28 degrees, none of which approach being on their sides.

Axial tilt determines how a planet spins relative to its orbit. Uranus has an extreme tilt—about 98 degrees—so its rotation axis lies almost in the plane of its orbit. This makes it appear to roll on its side as it spins. In contrast, Jupiter’s tilt is only a few degrees, Earth’s is about 23.5 degrees, and Neptune’s is around 28 degrees, none of which approach being on their sides.