WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM - Astro Minute: The Majesty of Saturn

Episode Date: September 17, 2024

Moonlets and rings--including invisible rings. These are just a few of Saturn's mysteries. Learn more on today's episode of Astro Minute!

Welcome to the Astro Minute, where we're exploring the universe 60 seconds out of time. I'm Lauren Smith, and today we're looking at beautiful Saturn. Saturn is a giant gas planet, shepherding over 146 moons, countless moonlets, and a breathtaking array of rings through our solar system. Saturn's primary rings are made of ice particles, through which Saturn's moonlets move like boats, scattering icy debris in their wake. Saturn's moons are unique worlds,

like giant titan with its thick atmosphere, hydrocarbon rivers, lakes, clouds, and slowly falling rain. The colossal Phoebe ring, an invisible dusty flat donut encircling Saturn, is the size of two full moons in our sky. You'll find bright yellowish Saturn rising in the evening east and following the sun's path across the sky. With binoculars, you can see the oblong appearance created by the majestic rings. That's your Astro Minute.