Saturn, Jewel of the Solar System
Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and the second largest planet in our solar system. Adorned with a dazzling system of icy rings, Saturn is unique among the planets.
It is not the only planet to have rings, but none are as spectacular or as complex as Saturn's. Like fellow gas giant Jupiter, Saturn is a massive ball made mostly of hydrogen and helium.
The farthest planet from Earth discovered by the unaided human eye, Saturn has been known since ancient times. The planet is named for the Roman god of agriculture and wealth, who was also the father of Jupiter.
Quick facts about Saturn
- Second Largest
- 9 Earths would almost span Saturn's diameter
- Sixth from the Sun
- Saturn is 9.5 AU from the Sun, Earth = 1 AU
- Long Year
- It takes 29 Earth years for Saturn to orbit the Sun
- No Surface
- This gas giant world may have a small core
- Bring a Spacesuit
- Saturn's atmosphere is mostly hydrogen and helium
- King of the Moons
- Saturn has 146 moons
- The Nicest Rings
- 8 rings make for a spectacular system
- Distant Destination
- 4 missions visited Saturn; 1 has orbited
- Not Suitable for Life
- Saturn can't support life as we know it
- Cloud Hexagon
- A powerful jet stream shapes the clouds