SATURN
The Ringed Jewel
Overview
Saturn, the sixth planet from the Sun, is the crown jewel of our solar system with its spectacular ring system. This gas giant, named after the Roman god of agriculture, is a world of stunning beauty and fascinating complexity.
Second only to Jupiter in size, Saturn is famous for its bright, extensive rings that are visible even through small telescopes. The planet's low density means it would float in water if you could find a bathtub large enough.
Saturn's atmosphere features subtle bands of clouds and occasional giant storms, though less dramatic than Jupiter's. The planet's rapid rotation causes it to bulge at the equator and flatten at the poles, giving it a distinct oblate shape.
Mass
5.683 × 10²⁶ kg
Second most massive planet in our solar system
Diameter
116,460 km
Could fit 764 Earths inside
Distance from Sun
1.4 billion km
Average distance in its elliptical orbit
Day Length
10.7 Earth hours
Fast rotation creates an oblate shape
Year Length
29.4 Earth years
One orbit around the Sun
Moons
146 confirmed
Known moons as of 2023