Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Study Reclassifies Uranus, Neptune as Rock Giants

10/9/2025

24 2

Summary

Story summary

A University of Zurich study questions Uranus and Neptune as ice giants, proposing they may be rock giants.
Using computer models of interiors with current data, researchers test their internal composition.
The study finds Uranus's rock-to-water ratio nearly ten times Neptune's.
Voyager 2 data on atmospheres and compositions informs these conclusions, while future missions include NASA's Uranus Orbiter and Probe.

1 of 1

Story summary

A University of Zurich study questions Uranus and Neptune as ice giants, proposing they may be rock giants.
Using computer models of interiors with current data, researchers test their internal composition.
The study finds Uranus's rock-to-water ratio nearly ten times Neptune's.
Voyager 2 data on atmospheres and compositions informs these conclusions, while future missions include NASA's Uranus Orbiter and Probe.