SATURN

Saturn is the sixth planet from the sun. It is recognized by its rings which I will elaborate on shortly. It is the second largest planet in our solar system. What is known about Saturn was discovered by the Voyager exploration in 1980-81. Saturn is visibly flattened at the poles. It is like that because of how fast it spins. Its days are only 10 hours and 39 min. long, and it takes 29.5 earth years to revolve around the sun. The atmosphere is mostly composed of hydrogen, small amounts of helium and methane. Saturn is the only planet less dense than water (about 30% less).

On Saturn, the wind blows at extremely high speeds, they exceed 500 meters a second. It is usually at an easternly direction. The strongest winds can be found around the equator.

Saturn's rings make it one of the most beautiful planets in our solar system. The rings are split into a number of parts; which include bright A and B rings, and a fainter C ring. There are gaps between these rings but the most noticeable is the one between the A and B rings, called the Cassina Division. This was discovered by Giovanni Cassina in 1675. The Encke Division, which was discovered by Johann Encke in 1675, splits the A ring. Space probes have shown that the main rings are composed of narrow ringlets. We don't know what make up the actual rings, but we know that they are partly composed of water.

Now for some facts about Saturn. The mass in kg's is 5.688e+26. The radius is 60,268km. The density is only .69gm/cm^3, which is less than water. Its days last for 10 hours, and 1 Saturn year equals 29.458 Earth years. Saturn's tilt on its axis is about the same as earth's it is 25.33, as earth's is 23.5.

Saturn has eighteen moons, but there are more unconfirmed satellites. Titan, one of the moons, has an appreciable atmosphere. Most of the satellites have a synchronos rotation. Hopefully you know what that word means because I have no idea.

Well that's about it, I have no more to talk about. So take it easy on me Mrs. K.

Brian Qualls