OUR DAILY – Wednesday, 15 February 2023.
Saturn is the second largest planet in the solar system after Jupiter. Saturn is also a gas giant with an average radius of about 9 times that of Earth.
Saturn’s average density is only 1/8 of Earth’s average density, but with a larger volume than Earth’s, Saturn’s mass is 95 times that of Earth’s.
Saturn is named after the god of well-being – agriculture in Greek mythology; the astronomical symbol (♄) represents the scythe used by the god.
The event of Saturn’s approach to Earth occurred in mid-February 2023 and previously this astronomical phenomenon has also graced the sky on Monday, August 15, 2022 tonight.
Saturn is at its closest distance to Earth and Earth’s inhabitants can observe it directly, becoming the prey of astrographers, aka astronomical photographers.
In the language of astronomy, the planet Saturn reaches a point of opposition to the sun. If you see it directly with the naked eye, Saturn will appear bright from Earth.
Also Read: Ferdy Sambo Sentenced to Death Penalties, Joshua’s Family Says Thank You and Because They Are a Source of Problems
Saturn orbits the sun at an average distance of just over 1.4 million kilometers (9 AU). With an average orbital speed of 9.68 km.
Saturn takes 10,759 Earth days (about 29 ½ years) to complete one revolution around the Sun.
As a result, Saturn forms a 5:2 orbital resonance with Jupiter.
Saturn’s orbit is inclined 2.48° relative to the plane of Earth’s orbit.
Saturn’s distances at perihelion and aphelion are 9.195 sa and 9.957 sa, respectively.
Saturn’s Closest Distance to Earth
Because Saturn takes 29 Earth years to orbit the Sun, a new season begins every seven (or so) Earth years.
Its last equinox, in August 2009, was observed by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft, as shown in this stunning image.
