Saturn Planet

Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and the second largest planet in the Solar System, after Jupiter. Saturn is named after the Roman god Saturn, equated to the Greek Cronus (the Titan father of Zeus), the Babylonian Ninurta and the Hindu Shani.

1. The Planets – Saturn
Saturn is a planet in the solar system that is often described with its system of rings surrounding
its surface. It has about seven rings with numerous small rings, a minimum of eighteen satellites
or moons.

Meaning of the name ‘Saturn’:
In Roman mythology, this is considered to be the god of fertility and planting (agriculture). Some believed that this name originated from Etruscan. Romans identified this Greek god with
Cronus and his wife ‘Ops’ who is the goddess of fertility and harvest.


Planetary rings:
Compared to rings of Jupiter,
Neptune and Uranus, this planet’s
rings are more visible. It is
composed of rings and thousands of
ringlets made from ice particles.
Each ring’s thickness varies and
ranges from 200 m to 3,000 m. The
gap or space between each ring has
a width of about 3,200 km. Some
gaps may also contain ringlets.

The planet’s rings have about 6,630 km to 120,000 km of extension and are composed of ice
particles with tholin and amorphous carbon. There are two theories present that give overview of
the origin of these rings. First, these rings are product of moons that have been destroyed around
the planet’s surface. Second, these are particles of nebula (Nebula means cloud of gas and star
dusts which are materials that made this planet).
Moons:
Other than its rings, this planet also has numerous moons or satellites. Most of its moons are
named after Greek gods and goddesses. Its principal moons are Dione, Mimas, Iapetus,

2. Enceladus, Tethys, second largest Rhea, and the large Titan. Some satellites have their own
system of rings only tenuous, while others are too small. About 34 of its numerous satellites are
around 10 km in diameter, while about 14 are within 50 kilometers in diameter.

Planet’s description:
Among the planets, it is said to be the second in size after Jupiter. Due to its even poles and
bulging appearance at its equator, it is described to have an oblate sphere shape. Compared to
earth, its diameter is about 10 times larger or 120, 540 kilometers. It will take 10, 759 (earth)
days or about 29 years and 6 months for it to travel around the sun. However, its rotation is the
second fastest among all the planets except Jupiter. One spin will take about 10 hours and 39
minutes to complete compared to earth’s 24- hour rotation.
Its distance from earth is about 150,000,000 km and 1,429,400,000 km from the sun. Its axis’ tilt
causes unequal heat to be dispersed on its north and south parts. For this reason, temperature
changes and seasons occur. A season lasts for about 7 years and 6 months in earth’s year due to
its slow rotation on sun’s surface. Other than that, it is also cooler in temperature compared to
earth because of its far distance from the sun.

Structure:
Most scientists believe that this planet is an enormous ball of gas without any solid surface.
However, it has a seamlessly solid interior made up of iron and rocky materials. This inner
structure has a temperature of 11,700 °C and exudes about two and a half times energy into
space. On the other hand, it also has an outer core that is believed to contain hydrogen, helium,
ammonia, H2O, ethane, acetylene, phosphine and methane. This planet does not only exhibit a
Jupiter-like atmospheric pattern, it also has a strong magnetic field. This creates a huge zone of
magnetic forces around its surface which is known as magnetosphere.

3. The Rings of Saturn
Rings of Saturn is a popular planetary ring structure in the solar system known to be visible in
Earth’s sky even through unaided eyes.

Rings observations:
In the year 1965, Christian Huygens became the man behind the idea that Saturn had rings. By
using his customized telescope, he made studies to verify his theory.
In the year 1675, Giovanni Cassini discovered that these rings were composed of smaller rings
and gaps located in between each. Huge gaps were named after him known as ‘Cassini division’.
In the year 1787, Pierre Laplace stated his theory that there were numerous solid small rings
making the larger rings.
In the year 1859, James Maxwell proved that rings were not solid because they would easily
break into smaller pieces or even particles. His theory suggested that rings were made from
particles that were rotating around Saturn’s surface. This theory was supported with studies
conducted by James Keeler.

4. Rings theories:
There are two major theories in relation to Saturn’s rings. In 19
th
century, the first known theory
was made by Edouard Roche. According to him, rings surrounding this planet were composed of
moons broken by comets and asteroids. On the other hand, the second theory disproved the first
speculation and believed that these rings were remnants of Nebula.
The planet’s rings:
Names of main rings came from letters A to F, while other ringlets are named after their
discoverers and gods and goddesses of Greek mythology.
Main rings have 7,000 km to 80,000 km extension located above
Saturn’s equator. These main
rings are composed of 1centimeter to 10 meter sized particles and have an overall mass of
3 x 10
19
kilograms. They use more than 15 billion sq. miles of area which is eighty times that of
the Earth’s area. Moreover, these rings are composed of ice particles.
Ring A and B are among the brightest rings, while the latter is described to be wide and thick. C
ring is also known as ‘crepe ring’ due to its transparency compared to Ring D’s indistinct
visibility. F ring is very thin in size and is flanked by two moons (Pandora and Prometheus).
These two moons are known as ‘shepherding moons’ for they have power over movements of
ring’s particles.
Here are some names used by rings and ringlets:
For major subdivisions, names like D ring, C ring, B ring, Cassini division, A ring, Roche
division, F ring, Janus ring, G ring, Methone ring arc, Anthe ring arc, Pallene ring, E ring, and
Phoebe ring are utilized. C ring structures used names like Colombo gap, Titan ringlet, Maxwell
gap, Maxwell ringlet, Bond gap, 1.470Rs ringlet, 1495Rs ringlet, and Dawes gap.
In Cassini division, Huygens gap, Huygens ringlet, Herschel gap, Russell gap, Jeffreys gap,
Kuiper gap, Laplace gap, Bessel gap, and Barnard gap are some of names used. A ring structures
named gaps ‘Encke’ and ‘Keeler’.
Latest discovery:
In the year 2009, a new discovery was announced by NASA. Saturn has a new ring described to
be colossal and only appears in infrared portion of the spectrum. This was found through
advance technology used by Spitzer Telescope. According to Scientists, if this ring is visible in
the Earth, it will look like two moon-sized rings in the sky.

5. Due to this ring’s enormous size, Scientists were able to discern the reason behind Cassini
division’s dark appearance. They were able to explain that this ring surrounds Saturn in
directions similar with Phoebe ring.

Saturn - Lord of the Rings and Lord of the Skies

Saturn as Lord of the rings: One of the reasons this planet is called as such because of its rings
and ringlets found around its surface. In the year 1610, Galileo Galilei discovered Saturn as a
bright star with two side moons. Galileo viewed the planet’s supposedly rings as ‘handles’. Later
that year, other discoveries emerged and progressed giving more information about the planet’s
magnificent features.

Even though Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune are planets with rings, most people are fascinated
with Saturn’s planetary rings and small rings surrounding its surface. Each ring discovered by
spacecrafts and astronomical probes are given names according to their order of breakthrough as
well as their specific discoverers. On the other hand, due to interactions between the planet’s
moons or satellites, ringlets are formed that became part of Saturn’s magnificence.

6. Rings of this planet are relatively near each other except for the Cassini ring division is the
largest gap that has about 4,700 km measurement. This division separates A ring and B ring.
Located at the outermost portion are the planet’s main rings known as A ring, B, ring and C ring.
In addition to that, D ring is the closest ring to Saturn and is described with its extremely faded
look. F ring is found in the exterior of A ring that has thin appearance. G ring as well as E ring
appears more fainted found beyond F ring. All of these have 26.7 degrees inclination to Saturn’s
orbital surface and most of them are circular in shape, but appear eccentric.
Rings of Saturn are described by most Astronomers as the thinnest disks with a ratio of thickness
to radius of about
10
-6
. Furthermore, these rings are also known as the oldest disks that finished
10
12
rotations around Saturn’s surface. Interior radius of this planet’s rings measure
approximately 69,000 km with external radius of 213,000 km.
5 × 10
-8
total mass (3×10
22
grams) of all the rings are detailed by Scientists. Recent discoveries showed that these
rings create spokes which are believed to be products of interactions between charged particles in
rings. Therefore, magnetosphere became existent.
Saturn as Lord of the skies: This planet is given this label due to its visibility without the need
for any astrological equipment. Any person can see this planet provided that he or she is in a
good location and other certain factors make visibility possible.
Planets compared to stars have position changes every night and
levels of brightness vary over dates.
These heavenly bodies do not
scintillate (twinkle) in contrast with
stars, but rather shine steadily when
above earth’s horizon. Planets which
are not so distant to earth such as
Mercury, Mars, and Venus can
appear in the earth’s sky within
days. On the other hand, those
planets that are too far from earth

7. can be seen in longer period of time without even using binoculars or telescopes, but features
may appear vague.

Visibility of ‘naked eye’ planets like Saturn usually depends on the orbital positions of planets as
well as earth. The extent of time in which a planet appears visible at night is also dependent on
the Sun and its light on a given night.
Planets also have apparitions which emerge when the sun’s glare is captured by these heavenly
bodies. Thus, they become very visible during twilight and apparitions end whenever planets
disappear into sun’s rays. This is a cycle called ‘regular appearance’ undergone by planets.





Saturn is Visible without Using a Telescope
Those people who were able to experience that Saturn is visible without using a telescope
describe the planet as a bright yellow light in dark sky. Its light has a magnitude between (+) 1
and zero. At a first glance, Saturn looks like Jupiter, but a smaller one. Its diameter is nine and a
half times that of the earth. It has a mass of 95 times more than the earth and its rotation period is
about ten hours and 39 minutes. Like planet Jupiter, it has 0.7 gm / cc density which is said to be
less than water’s density.
Even without any equipment, Saturn can be seen. However, good viewing site is necessary to be
successful in locating this planet. Also, an updated map of the sky during night will be helpful.
For the reason that planets move in different paths, this planet may not be that visible often. It
will be nice if a viewer will research on dates when this planet will be greatly visible.
Location also plays a role. Sometimes, being in a city will affect the sky’s view due to the
significant amount of pollution covering the sky as well as building lights. Moreover, Saturn will
be best seen in the sky when this planet is near or at the opposite of the Sun. The opposing
position means that the planet’s configuration is at 180 degrees (elongation). In 17
th
of December
2002, the planet’s rings had complimentary orientation relative to Earth that made it to shine the
brightest in the sky.

8. One of the early evidences of Saturn’s visibility was during early years when people view this
planet with their naked eyes. Even before telescope and other space explorations happened,
Galileo Galilee first discovered the planet’s existence in the year 1610. He thought that rings
surrounding Saturn were side moons. It was only in the 17
th
century when advancements in
telescopic equipment progressed. Christian Huygens disproved Galileo’s theory and used high
quality equipment to further study this heavenly body. After these, discoveries were made by
other scientists.
Other explorations were made through spacecrafts and other flybys. In September of 1979,
Pioneer 11 probed this planet within its surface. Images were obtained, but lacked good
resolution to show clear features. The spacecraft conducted studies and discovered F ring and
Titan’s temperature. Other than that, studies showed that ring gaps may look dark, but appear
very bright by viewing towards the Sun. This has been one of the factors believed to affect how
Saturn is seen on Earth without using any equipment.

9. In November of 1980,
Voyager 1 explored this
planet’s system and was able
to produce high quality
images of its surface features.
With its study with Titan’s
qualities, the spacecraft was
able to contribute more
information about the
atmosphere of moons or
satellites. This brought further
interests on the planet and its
features.
In August of 1981, Voyager 2 acquired proofs of atmospheric changes and more information.
However, some plans were not successful due to troubles in image equipment. Other space
probes were initiated to give additional information about this planet and its magnificent form.
Saturn is known for its rings and ringlets made up of countless particles. However, these features
are not lucid when viewed without equipment. It will take about at least twenty times telescopic
zoom to see each ring clearly. Other people do not believe that Saturn is visible without using a
telescope, but for those who were able to enjoy its beauty, they continue to be fascinated with its
appearance especially during dark nights.

Saturn Transit in Virgo and Its Effects
The transitions happening between planets and signs are believed to have relation with human
character and life paths. Astrologers believe that with the movement of planets and other
heavenly bodies, characters of human beings are being affected every time. In the field of
Astrology, zodiac is a group of constellations that is divided into 12 different signs with their
own personalities. Each sign has its own planet.

10. Some who are patrons of Astrology consider these movements as deciding factors which shall be
done and which must be left untouched in a specific period of their lives. Astrologer s use ‘house’
or horoscope which is a chart that has 12 divisions. Each house represents a person’s life
elements and reveals a person’s future. Divisions include: 1) exterior look and inner qualities, 2)
properties, 3) family affairs, 4) mother and father, 5) offspring, 6) health and well being, 7)
friends and wedding, 8) death, 9) expeditions, 10) career and commerce, 11) ethics, 12) infirmity
and grief.
Naked eye planets like
Saturn are moving along a rather constricted band. Each heavenly body
passes through twelve zodiac constellations: 1) Pisces or fishes, 2) Aries or ram, 3) Taurus or
bull, 4) Gemini or twins, 5) Cancer or crab, 6) Leo or lion, 7) Virgo or virgin, 8) Libra or scale,
9) Scorpio or scorpion, 10) Sagittarius or archer, 11) Capricorn or sea goat, 12) Aquarius or
water bearer. Moreover, Sun, Moon and other planets also travel through a thirteenth
constellation known as ‘Ophiuchus’ or serpent possessor. This is barely known sign which lies in
the southern portion or just between Scorpion and Sagittarius.

11. When Saturn transits in Virgo, Astrologers believe that it is best to regard moderation as well
as caution as important life factors. When this planet moves, it is believed that a person shall
avoid any fight or trouble. It will produce negative effects if dire vibes reign on a person’s mood.
It will be helpful if a person learns how to work hard and be patient when things feel like
slowing down. This is a time when inner qualities are strengthened and limitations are observed.
In this period, building a good foundation is recommended. By carrying each lesson in all life
aspects, a person will gain positive changes especially during the time when Saturn points in the
same sign or planet.

Astrologers also describe the sign Virgo in relation to earth and something like precise, service,
medicine, or trade. For these can be influenced by transitions happening with planets in the solar
system, people and their specific signs will experience changes as well as countries in the world.
For instance, in world trends, earth- related efforts will be raised and sustainable development
will be a goal. This is believed to root from Virgo’s lesson of modest lifestyle. People will be
conscious on what they eat and artificial food production will be questioned. Ideas on eco-
friendly communities will experience progress that will help people realize uncertainties that
may happen in the future.

On the other hand, a person’s life calls for productivity when Saturn is in the sign of Virgo. This
sign is believed by most Astrologers as something in relation to endurance and sense of
responsibility. Therefore, when Saturn transits in Virgo, a person shall be involved in activities
that require much effort and discipline. Moreover, it also gives significance to diet and balance
between work and rest.