Saturn: Facts about the ringed planet
Saturn is the sixth planet from the sun and the second-largest planet in the solar system.
Saturn is the sixth planet from the sun and the second-largest planet in the solar system.
It's the farthest planet from Earth that's visible to the naked human eye,
It's the farthest planet from Earth that's visible to the naked human eye,
but the planet's most outstanding features - its rings are better viewed through a telescope.
but the planet's most outstanding features - its rings are better viewed through a telescope.
Although the other gas giants in the solar system - Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune - also have rings,
Although the other gas giants in the solar system - Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune - also have rings,
Saturn's rings are particularly prominent, earning it the nickname the "Ringed Planet."
Saturn's rings are particularly prominent, earning it the nickname the "Ringed Planet."
Saturn is a gas giant composed mostly of hydrogen and helium.
Saturn is a gas giant composed mostly of hydrogen and helium.
Saturn's volume exceeds 760 Earths, and it is the second largest planet in the Solar System. about 95 times Earth's mass.
Saturn's volume exceeds 760 Earths, and it is the second largest planet in the Solar System. about 95 times Earth's mass.
The Ringed Planet is the least dense of all the planets, and is the only one less dense than water.
The Ringed Planet is the least dense of all the planets, and is the only one less dense than water.
If there were a bathtub big enough to hold it, Saturn would float.
If there were a bathtub big enough to hold it, Saturn would float.
The yellow and gold stripes seen in Saturn's atmosphere are the result of strong winds in the upper atmosphere,
The yellow and gold stripes seen in Saturn's atmosphere are the result of strong winds in the upper atmosphere,
which can reach up to 1,100 mph (1,800 km/h) around its equator, combined with heat rising from the planet's interior.
which can reach up to 1,100 mph (1,800 km/h) around its equator, combined with heat rising from the planet's interior.
Saturn orbits once every 10.5 hours.
Saturn orbits once every 10.5 hours.
The fast motion of the planet causes Saturn to bulge at its equator and flatten at its poles.
The fast motion of the planet causes Saturn to bulge at its equator and flatten at its poles.
The planet is around 75,000 miles (120,000 kilometers) across at its equator,
The planet is around 75,000 miles (120,000 kilometers) across at its equator,
and 68,000 miles (109,000 km) from pole to pole.
and 68,000 miles (109,000 km) from pole to pole.
Saturn actually has many rings made up of billions of particles of ice and rock, ranging in size from a grain of sugar to the size of a house.
Saturn actually has many rings made up of billions of particles of ice and rock, ranging in size from a grain of sugar to the size of a house.
The particles are believed to be debris left over from comets, asteroids or shattered moons.
The particles are believed to be debris left over from comets, asteroids or shattered moons.
A 2016 study also suggested the rings may be the carcasses of dwarf planets.
A 2016 study also suggested the rings may be the carcasses of dwarf planets.