Astronomical overview
Saturn has a very low average density and a complex ring structure divided into many bands and gaps.
It is one of the most striking telescopic targets.
♄ · Ephemerides
Observation date
Saturn
A gas giant famous for its broad ring system made mostly of ice and rocky particles.
- AU
- 9.459
- ECL
- 8.5°
- MAG
- 0.60
01 — Current astronomical data
Parameters and context
- Heliocentric distance
- 9.459 AU
- Ecliptic longitude
- 8.52°
- Ecliptic latitude
- -2.40°
- Apparent magnitude
- 0.60 mag
- Right ascension
- 0 h 58 min
- Declination
- 3.51°
- Altitude above horizon
- 31.8°
- Azimuth
- 133.0°
Astrological meaning
In astrology, Saturn symbolizes structure, responsibility, boundaries and long-term discipline.
Mythology
Named after Saturn, the Roman god linked to time and cycles (Greek Cronus).
02 — 05
Key facts
- 01Its rings are split into several major divisions and gaps.
- 02Titan has a dense atmosphere and lakes of liquid hydrocarbons.
- 03A persistent hexagonal jet stream is observed near the north pole.
- 04Upper-atmosphere winds can exceed 1,500 km/h.
- 05Saturn emits more energy than it receives from the Sun.
Parameters and context
- Sidereal day
- 10 h 34 min
- Solar day
- 10 h 34 min
- Year length
- 10,759 days (~29.46 Earth years)
- Rotation speed
- 35,500.0 km/h • 34.07°/h
- Orbital speed
- 9.70 km/s
- Distance from Sun
- 1,433.50 million km
- Diameter
- 116,460 km
- Gravity
- 10.4 m/s²
- Mean temperature
- -140 °C