Astronomy Practice Exam

Which planet travels to the farthest distance from the sun as the 7th planet?

1. Jupiter

2. Uranus

3. Mars

4. Saturn

The correct answer is: Uranus

Uranus is considered the seventh planet from the Sun, and it travels further away from the Sun than any of the other planets listed. The distances of the planets in our solar system from the Sun increase as you move outward, so Uranus is positioned beyond both Saturn and Jupiter but before Neptune. At an average distance of about 2.87 billion kilometers (1.79 billion miles) from the Sun, Uranus is a unique ice giant that has a significant tilt, leading to extreme seasonal variations. Its distinct blue color is due to the absorption of red light by methane in its atmosphere. In contrast, the other planets mentioned, along with their average distances from the Sun, do not reach as far as Uranus. Mars is significantly closer, positioned as the fourth planet. Jupiter, as the largest planet, is fifth, and Saturn, known for its stunning rings, is sixth. None of these can reach the distance or position Uranus occupies in the solar system. Thus, Uranus indeed travels the farthest distance from the Sun when considering the ranking of planets by proximity.