> However, in the 1990s, it became known that Uranus and Neptune are really a distinct class of giant planets, being composed mainly of heavier volatile substances (which are referred to as "ices"). For this reason, Uranus and Neptune are now often classified in the separate category of ice giants.[2]
I guess there's a distinction I wasn't aware of.
Edit: I had this comment written, but I guess I waited too long to submit.
> heavier volatile substances (which are referred to as "ices")
When you know that astronomers call about anything that is not hydrogen or helium "metals" and you learn that even gazes are "ices" for some reason¸ makes you think now would be a good time to level the playground and start again :)
I agree, but from what I understand it's partially about things typically behave. At super cool temperatures, ice acts like stone, and a bunch of other stuff will appear to be as strong as metals. There's also a ton of tradition dating back to the renaissance time period.
> However, in the 1990s, it became known that Uranus and Neptune are really a distinct class of giant planets, being composed mainly of heavier volatile substances (which are referred to as "ices"). For this reason, Uranus and Neptune are now often classified in the separate category of ice giants.[2]
I guess there's a distinction I wasn't aware of.
Edit: I had this comment written, but I guess I waited too long to submit.