All interesting facts about the planet Saturn. Message about planet saturn

Saturn is one of the most recognizable planets. It was even nicknamed “the pearl of the solar system” for its beauty, which is complemented by its unique rings. Although there are more than 1 billion km between us, with the help of telescopes and spacecraft, scientists were able to study the gas giant quite well. Therefore, there are many interesting facts that will help you get to know him better.

Saturn is the second largest planet in the solar system (only Jupiter is larger than it). Its mass is 95 times the mass of the Earth, and its diameter is 14.2750 km. This giant could fit approximately 750 Earths.

It is located at a distance of 1426 million km from the Sun - 9 times further than Earth.
It takes Saturn 29.4 Earth years to orbit the star. However, it rotates around its axis faster than the Earth. For us, the change of day and night occurs in 24 hours, and Saturn, although it is many times larger, makes a full revolution in just 10 hours.
This rapid rotation results in the formation of hurricane-like storms with speeds of 1,800 km/h. They are much stronger than any hurricane seen on Earth and can also last for months or years. There is a constant storm at the planet's south pole, which can be observed with the most powerful telescopes.
A “dragon storm” with a diameter of more than 3 thousand km, which has been raging in the southern hemisphere of the planet for decades, creates mega-lightning 1000 times more powerful than lightning on Earth! This storm was nicknamed “Dragon” for its unusual shape.

Saturn is called a gas giant because it consists entirely of dense layers of gas. Its main elements are hydrogen and helium. The planet's atmosphere also contains methane, ammonia, and possibly hydrogen sulfide and water.
The gravity of Saturn, the most massive planet after Jupiter, influenced the formation of the fate of our planetary system. Perhaps the 6th planet helped push Neptune and Uranus to the sidelines.
A 2017 study shows that Saturn's gravity pulls dangerous asteroids away from Earth even more than Jupiter does.
It is also the most oblate planet in our planetary system. The high rotation speed is to blame, which leads to distortion.
If we compare the size of Saturn with its mass, it becomes clear that it has a very low density, even less than the density of water. That is, theoretically, if a giant planet is placed in a huge ocean of water, it will float on the surface.
Through telescopes, Saturn is seen to be yellow-brown in color. Its surface is actually a complex of cloud layers decorated with many small objects such as red, brown and white spots, streaks, whirlwinds and thunderstorms that are constantly moving. The visible layer of clouds is formed from molecules of minor compounds that condense in the atmosphere.

Saturn's atmospheric pressure is more than 100 times Earth's atmospheric pressure. This powerful force causes the gas to compress into a liquid. Any artificial spacecraft would be destroyed under such conditions.
Saturn shares many similarities with Jupiter, from its composition to its size and rotation speed. Because of these factors, he was named after the father of the god Jupiter.
It is one of the few planets that is visible from Earth with the naked eye, and it is also the fifth brightest object in the sky. For these reasons, Saturn was known in the ancient world even before the invention of telescopes.
It was first observed using a telescope by the Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei in 1610. Although the scientist saw strangeness in the appearance of the planet, the low resolution of the instrument did not allow him to discern the true nature of the rings.
A distinctive feature of Saturn is its impressive and beautiful ring system. These rings are accumulations of pieces of ice and carbonaceous dust, ranging in size from grains to an entire house. These particles are believed to be remnants of comets, asteroids or destroyed moons.
The rings are only 20 m thick, but extend more than 12,700 km from the planet! If you flew the same distance from the Earth, you would be more than halfway to the Moon.

Three of these rings can be seen from Earth using a telescope. Other, narrower ones, were discovered only thanks to images obtained from spacecraft located near the planet.
Although Saturn's rings were not officially discovered until the 17th century, some scientists suggest that ancient cultures knew about them. For example, the Maori in New Zealand called the planet Parearau, which means "with a bandage on the head."
Saturn isn't the only planet with rings. Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune also have rings, but they are much smaller and less spectacular.
Scientists estimate that the temperature on Saturn is approximately -212° C. The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth is -89° C.
The Saturnian axis of rotation is significantly inclined to the orbital plane, namely at 26.7°, which is very close to the angle of inclination of the Earth. Thanks to this, the gas planet experiences a change of seasons, but each season there lasts more than 7 years!
Due to the significant axial tilt of the planet's rings, it casts large dark shadows on its surface, resulting in even less sunlight reaching it. During the winter, areas in the northern hemisphere that are obscured by the rings' shadow have recorded remarkably clear blue atmospheres, possibly due to the relative lack of photochemical haze formation.
Despite such a far distance from the Sun, Saturn emits quite a lot of heat - near the core the temperature can reach up to 11,700 ° C, and this is almost as hot as the surface of the Sun. But a noteworthy fact is that the planet emits more energy than it receives from the Sun. This unusual quality is thought to be due to gravitational compression combined with the colossal amount of helium found in Saturn's atmosphere.

The gas giant has at least 62 moons. Among them is Titan, the second largest moon in the solar system, after Ganymede (the moon of Jupiter). Titan is the only moon we know of that has an atmosphere composed of nitrogen and methane. Experts believe conditions on Titan may resemble ancient conditions on Earth, albeit at much lower temperatures.
Among the Saturnian moons there are many more specimens with amazing features. For example, Pan and Atlas have a flattened shape that resembles that of a flying saucer; Iapetus has one side as bright as snow and the other as dark as coal. Evidence of "ice volcanism" has been found on Enceladus, with a hidden ocean spewing ice particles, water vapor and other chemicals from 101 geysers. Enceladus is the most brilliant object in our star system. This feature is explained by the fact that the ice surface reflects most of the sunlight.
Some of these moons, such as Prometheus and Pandora, are called shepherds because they interact with ring material and hold the rings in their orbits.
The closest moon of Saturn orbits it in 12 hours, and the farthest one takes more than three Earth years!
In addition to the 60 moons that astronomers have identified, Saturn has other small companions. Their number constantly varies, as some appear and others are destroyed.

Its orbit lies 9.5 times further from the star than the Earth. Very interesting and interesting facts about Saturn are associated with its famous rings. Astronomers have discovered similar origins and natures of formation on other planets in our cosmic region: Neptune. However, they are significantly inferior in massiveness, density, and brightness to the rings of the sixth planet. However, interesting facts about Saturn are not only connected with them. This world is full of many others

Interesting facts about the planet Saturn

This celestial body is the third in size and mass in the solar system, second only to Jupiter and, of course, the Sun. The interesting thing is that this planet has the lowest density in the entire star system. The density of Saturn is 0.687 g/cm3. This is lower than that of water. Saturn is not at all like a rocky body, like our native Earth, Venus or Mars. The planet is composed primarily of hydrogen (which is the lightest naturally occurring element), as well as helium, methane, and a small amount of rock and ice concentrated in the planet's core. It is impossible to land on its surface. That's why scientists call it a "gas giant." Some interesting facts about Saturn arise from its surprisingly fast rotation. The planet spins so fast that it literally flattens itself at the poles. Therefore it has a noticeably flattened shape. Another side effect of the rotation is that it contains some of the most powerful winds in the solar system. Sometimes their speed reaches a monstrous 1800 km/h.

Interesting facts about Saturn and its rings

The rings are systems of concentric flat formations consisting of dust and ice. Actually, water ice is their main component. The size of these particles can range from tiny pebbles of a few micrometers to blocks of several meters. These formations can reach thousands and tens of thousands of kilometers in width (there are only three large ones, but in fact there are many more of them). It is all the more surprising that the thickness of the rings varies literally within one kilometer. And some disks even reach a thickness of 10-15 meters. The first scientist to observe these bodies near Saturn was Galileo Galilei. However, he was able to see them only on the sides of the planet and mistook them for satellites. The true nature of the phenomenon was discovered by the German Christian Huygens. By the way, there is an opinion in the scientific community that the Earth could have had similar rings about four billion years ago. Over time, under the influence of gravitational forces, they gathered into a single body, gradually forming our natural satellite, which today can be observed in the sky every night.

Interesting facts about Saturn and its moons

This huge planet also has satellites. And more than any other in the solar system. To date, 62 satellites of this planet have been discovered. Some of them are no less amazing than Saturn himself. For example, Encellus, composed almost entirely of ice and snow, has an extremely white surface and the highest albedo in our entire star system. It reflects almost all the light falling on it. It is very curious to scientists because its composition and atmosphere could potentially be suitable for the most primitive forms of life. The possibility of microorganisms being found there is seriously discussed in the scientific community.

Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun, belonging to the group of gas giants. It is named after the Roman god Saturn and is the second largest after Jupiter. An interesting fact is that this planet was the last to be discovered by ancient astronomers.

Thanks to its pronounced rings, Saturn is one of the most beautiful celestial bodies in the world.

At the same time, today the planet Saturn is less studied than all its fellows. Although scientists are soon planning to expand their knowledge about this planet through the new space project Cassini.

It is worth noting that, in contrast to Saturn, one of the most studied planets is. Not long ago, a famous engineer and inventor set out to study Mars even more.

In one of his interviews, he stated that by 2025 a human foot will certainly set foot on its surface.

Despite all this, overall Saturn has the lowest density compared to the other 8 planets.

Internal structure of Saturn

According to astronomers' calculations, the density of this planet is less than that of water. Theoretically, if we could throw Saturn into water, it would float on its surface like a soccer ball.

Orbit and rotation

One year on it lasts about 10,759 Earth days, that is, almost 30 years. This planet makes one revolution around its axis in 10 hours and 34 minutes, which is only slightly inferior to the rotation speed of Jupiter (see).

Rings of Saturn

Thanks to its rings, Saturn has gained great popularity among people as even children know about this interesting fact. But what are these rings made of?

It turns out that the ring system consists of trillions of ice fragments and other space objects. The fact is that ice perfectly reflects light, as a result of which we can clearly see the rings of Saturn.

Interestingly, experts still cannot determine their exact origin. According to the official version, the rings arose as a result of the disintegration of one of Saturn's moons.

One way or another, they are kept in orbit thanks to the gravitational force of the planet Saturn.

The total mass of Saturn and Jupiter accounts for more than 90% of the mass of all planets in the solar system.
Experts believe that Saturn was first discovered by the ancient Babylonians.
In Roman mythology, Saturn is represented as the father of Jupiter, the king of the gods.
An interesting fact is that Saturn emits more heat than it receives from the Sun.
Since Saturn has a huge rotation speed on its axis and a gaseous atmosphere, it is considered the most oval of the 8 planets. Its equatorial diameter is 10% larger than the polar one.
Saturn is sandy in color because its upper atmosphere is made up of ammonia particles.
Despite the fact that Saturn belongs to the group of gas giants, experts suggest that inside it there is a very solid core surrounded by helium and hydrogen.
Saturn has about 150 moons covered in ice. It's interesting that on

Saturn is a ringed planet, known to everyone. However, all other gas giants in our Solar System also have rings, but this one has the most noticeable and impressive rings. Having many satellites, this gas giant, together with them, can itself be considered as a miniature star system, with itself in the role of a luminary illuminating its satellites with the reflected light of the Sun.

Saturn is the least dense planet in our system, its density is less than that of water. If we could place Saturn in a huge pool, it would float on the surface. The densest planet, by the way, is our Earth ().
Due to its rapid rotation around its axis, the gas giant is noticeably “flattened.”
Due to its remoteness, Saturn has been rarely visited by research probes. The most extensive study of Saturn and its moons was carried out by the Cassini-Huygens interplanetary research station, which transmitted invaluable data to us for 13 years. Having served its term, the station was sent into the atmosphere of Saturn, where it burned down in September 2017.
Saturn has as many as 62 satellites. Only Jupiter has a larger number - ().
The Titan satellite is the second largest in the Solar System. It has a dense atmosphere, and on its surface rivers and seas have been discovered, consisting, however, not of water, but of methane and ethane ().
A day on this planet lasts about 10 and a half hours.
The age of the gas giant's rings has not yet been determined.
From Earth, Saturn can be seen with the naked eye.
Monstrous storms are common in Saturn's atmosphere; wind speeds can reach 1,800 kilometers per hour.

Many scientists believe that Saturn has a solid silicate core with a mass equal to 10-20 times the mass of the Earth.
Saturn emits more heat into space than it receives from the Sun.
A Saturnian year lasts about 29 and a half Earth years.
There are seasons on this planet.
Each of Saturn's rings, which can be observed through a telescope, consists of hundreds and thousands of smaller rings.
At the north pole of Saturn, a cloud in the form of a hexagon of regular shape, about 25 thousand kilometers in diameter, has been observed more than once. Another mystery that makes the best minds of humanity scratch their heads.
The pressure in the lower layers of Saturn's atmosphere is, according to some estimates, up to 3 million atmospheres.
On this planet, like on Earth, there are aurora borealis.
Saturn's atmosphere is 96% hydrogen. True, due to the monstrous pressure in the depths of the planet, this hydrogen is in a metallized state.

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Planet Saturn - interesting facts about the planet of the solar system: mysterious rings, information about life on satellites, what spacecraft saw with photos.

Saturn is a fascinating astronomical object. Its gigantic ring system, as well as its rich family of satellites, amazes us. But these are not the only features that may interest you. We present to your attention a selection the most interesting facts about Saturn.

The density of the planet Saturn is only 0.687 g/cm 3 . Therefore, not only is it the least dense planet in our system, but it can also float in water! Of course, you'll have to get a giant bathtub.

The axial rotation is performed at such a rapid speed that the planet turns into an oblate spheroid. Because of this, expansion is observed in the equatorial line. If the distance between the poles is 54,000 km, then the equatorial distance is 60,300 km. A similar thing happens on Earth, but in the giant it is more noticeable.

Galileo noticed Saturn with a telescopic instrument in 1610. But when looking at the rings, he did not understand what he was encountering, so he thought that there were two moons in front of him. It was only in 1655 that Christian Huygens used improved technology and saw a narrow, flat ring, as well as the moon Titan.

Yes, only 4 missions visited this planet. In 1979 there was Pioneer 11, which flew at a distance of 20,000 km. In 1980 - Voyager 1, and a year later - Voyager 2. Cassini was the only one to enter orbit in 2004.

These are large and small moons. Titan is the second largest in the system. But many of the companions are very tiny, who don’t even have names. In fact, they were only found a couple of years ago. And there is an opinion that their number is much greater.

Calculating axial rotation is extremely difficult. The point is that there is no hard surface here. Usually it is enough to catch your eye on the crater and notice how long it takes for it to return to its original point. But there's gas here! Scientists had to focus on the rotation of the magnetic field. It takes 10 hours and 14 minutes. Cassini's flyby took 10 hours and 45 minutes. The average day lasts 10 hours, 32 minutes and 35 seconds.

They may have appeared with the planet 4.54 billion years ago. Or they were formed after. Everything could have happened recently when a 300-kilometer icy moon ruptured. Material could have been pulled from an early protoplanetary disk. Scientists note that the material appears too pure, so they may be younger than 100 million years.

Interesting facts about Saturn cannot ignore the situation with the periodic disappearance of the rings. In fact, they move away for a while. The fact is that the planet rotates under an axial tilt. We can observe its 30-year orbital progression from our position. And from time to time the rings are open to us, and in some locations they disappear. This will happen again in 2024-2025.

If you want to find a planet, you can do this without using magnifying equipment. But to display the rings and satellites you will need a telescope. In a normal view it will seem like a bright star.

It is impossible to live on Saturn, because its conditions kill all living things. But there are many satellites nearby, for example, Enceladus.

The Cassini spacecraft managed to detect the presence of glacial geysers on the satellite. This means there is a process that keeps the satellite warm and allows liquid water and possible life to be present. We hope that the planet Saturn and its interesting facts have sparked your imagination and encouraged you to study the rest of the planets in the solar system.