<P> The rotational period of the interior of Uranus is 17 hours, 14 minutes . As on all the giant planets, its upper atmosphere experiences strong winds in the direction of rotation . At some latitudes, such as about 60 degrees south, visible features of the atmosphere move much faster, making a full rotation in as little as 14 hours . </P> <P> The Uranian axis of rotation is approximately parallel with the plane of the Solar System, with an axial tilt of 97.77 ° (as defined by prograde rotation). This gives it seasonal changes completely unlike those of the other planets . Near the solstice, one pole faces the Sun continuously and the other faces away . Only a narrow strip around the equator experiences a rapid day--night cycle, but with the Sun low over the horizon . At the other side of Uranus's orbit the orientation of the poles towards the Sun is reversed . Each pole gets around 42 years of continuous sunlight, followed by 42 years of darkness . Near the time of the equinoxes, the Sun faces the equator of Uranus giving a period of day--night cycles similar to those seen on most of the other planets . </P> <P> Uranus reached its most recent equinox on 7 December 2007 . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Th> Northern hemisphere </Th> <Th> Year </Th> <Th> Southern hemisphere </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> Winter solstice </Td> <Td> 1902, 1986 </Td> <Td> Summer solstice </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> Vernal equinox </Td> <Td> 1923, 2007 </Td> <Td> Autumnal equinox </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> Summer solstice </Td> <Td> 1944, 2028 </Td> <Td> Winter solstice </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> Autumnal equinox </Td> <Td> 1965, 2049 </Td> <Td> Vernal equinox </Td> </Tr> </Table>

In the solar system position of uranus lies between