URANUS IS TOO HOT TO HANDLE

URANUS is hotter than boffins first thought, prompting calls for an up-close-and-personal probe.

- by JERRY LAWTON, Chief Reporter

The planet, 1.8billion miles from the sun, was believed to be the coldest in the solar system with an average temperature of -195°C and lows of -224C.

It is known as an ice giant because its interior contains swirling fluids with low freezing points.

But now boffins reckon Uranus may not be quite as cold because it emits its own internal heat - more than it receives from sunlight.