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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-uranus-methane-color

Which gas helps make Uranus look blue-green?

Methane, which absorbs red light.

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  1. Methane ✔
  2. Oxygen
  3. Neon

Why: Methane in Uranus's atmosphere absorbs much of the red part of sunlight. The reflected light therefore looks blue-green.

Huh, didn't know that: Hydrogen and helium make up most of Uranus's atmosphere.

The dad joke
Uranus picked blue-green because plain blue felt too Neptune-ish.
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References

Answer: Methane. Methane in Uranus's atmosphere absorbs much of the red part of sunlight. The reflected light therefore looks blue-green.

  1. Uranus Facts science.nasa.gov/uranus/facts
    Uranus gets its blue-green color from methane gas in the atmosphere.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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