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

Explore the beauty and mysteries of the ringed planet

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