A different view of Uranus’ rings

As seen from Earth, the rings of Uranus are now precisely edge on. It’s the first time this alignment has occurred since Uranus’ rings—now known to number 13—were discovered in 1977, and the event is providing an unprecedented view of the planet’s small, inner rings.

EDGY PORTRAIT. Uranus flanked by its rings, seen edge on by the Hubble Space Telescope.