Astronomy For Kids - KideSpace : Saturn

Saturn


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Introduction:

Saturn is the 6th planet from the sun and after Jupiter the second largest planet in solar system.It is one among the 4 outer gas giant (Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune). It has rings which extend out far into space, so its identification becomes quite easy in space. Due to its brightness in the sky it has been observed since the prehistoric times.

Galileo was the 1st man to see Saturn with telescope but he can’t identify exact shape of Saturn. It is named after the Roman god Saturnus. Its orbital period is 29.37 years and rotational period is 10h 13m and 59s. Avg distance from sun is 1.43 x 10^9 km.

Do you know/ Interesting facts:

> Saturn is the least dense planet in the Solar System

> Saturn has only been visited 4 times by spacecraft

> The farthest planet you can see without a telescope

> It has the most moons

> The first astronomer Galileo thought the rings were moons.

> Saturn is the second largest planet in the Solar System, weighing 95 times heavier than Earth.

> Saturn is famous for its varied and colorful rings. They are primarily composed of ice (93%)

> Saturn's largest moon is called Titan. It is bigger than Earth's moon and is the second largest moon in the Solar System

> Its day is much shorter than earth as it rotates every 10 hours, 39 minutes