Planet Saturn is the sixth farthest from the Sun in our star system. Its orbit lies 9.5 times farther from the sun than the Earth. Very interesting and interesting facts about Saturn are connected with its famous rings. Similar origin and nature of the formation were discovered by astronomers on other planets in our space region: Neptune, Uranus, Jupiter. However, they are significantly inferior both in massiveness, in density, and in brightness to the rings of the sixth planet. However, interesting facts about Saturn are far from being associated only with them. This world is full of many other mysterious phenomena.
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, to the Sun. It is interesting that this planet has the lowest density in the entire stellar system. The density of Saturn is 0.687 g / cm3. This is below that of water. Saturn does not at all look like a rocky body, like our native Earth, Venus or Mars. Basically, the planet consists of hydrogen (which is the lightest natural element), as well as helium, methane and a small admixture of rocks and ice, concentrated in the core of the planet. It is impossible to land on its surface. Therefore, scientists call it the "gas giant." Some interesting facts about Saturn stem from its surprisingly fast rotation. The planet spins so fast that it literally flatten itself at the poles. Therefore, this cosmic body has a tangibly flattened shape. Another side effect of rotation is the presence of the most powerful winds in the solar system. Sometimes their speed reaches a monstrous indicator of 1800 km / h.
Interesting facts about Saturn and its rings
Rings are concentric planar systems of dust and ice. Actually, water ice is their main component. The size of these particles can range from the smallest pebbles of several micrometers to blocks of several meters. In width, these formations can reach thousands and tens of thousands of kilometers (the largest of them are only three, but in fact there are much more). It is even more surprising that the thickness of the rings varies literally within one kilometer. And some discs do reach a thickness of 10-15 meters. The first scientist to observe these bodies near Saturn was Galileo Galilei. However, he managed to consider 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, in the scientific community there is an opinion that the Earth could have such rings about four billion years ago. Over time, under the influence of gravitational forces, they gathered in 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
Satellites of this huge planet are also available. 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 itself. For example, Enceladus, consisting 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 incident on it. The satellite Titan is very curious by scientists in that its composition and atmosphere can potentially be suitable for the most primitive forms of life. The scientific community is seriously discussing the likelihood of microorganisms being there.