Posted on 09/03/2024 11:16:58 PM PDT by blueplum
Most people consider Saturn's awe-inspiring system of rings that encircle the gas giant to be the most fascinating and iconic celestial feature in our solar system.....
A fast-approaching and significant cosmic event will soon dramatically alter our view of this magnificent planet. Come March 2025, Saturn's majestic rings will become virtually invisible to earth-based observers.
This phenomenon occurs due to the unique tilt of Saturn's axis, which will position the rings edge-on to our line of sight....
Thankfully, this isn't a permanent change...
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...
Equinoxes on other planets When Saturn is at equinox its rings reflect little sunlight, as seen in this image by Cassini in 2009. Equinoxes are defined on any planet with a tilted rotational axis. A dramatic example is Saturn, where the equinox places its ring system edge-on facing the Sun. As a result, they are visible only as a thin line when seen from Earth. When seen from above – a view seen during an equinox for the first time from the Cassini space probe in 2009 – they receive very little sunshine; indeed, they receive more planetshine than light from the Sun.[43] This phenomenon occurs once every 14.7 years on average, and can last a few weeks before and after the exact equinox. Saturn's most recent equinox was on 11 August 2009, and its next will take place on 6 May 2025.[44]Near the Saturnal Equinox Saturn's rings are edge on to earth, so look very thin, and receive less sun light so are naturally dimmer.
That seems fishy to me, too.
They’re probably working for scale.
Thanks for posting this!
I wonder how many folks will interpret “vanish” as meaning “be gone” rather than as “be unseen”?
I will be able to see them just as well as I can now.
EC
I’ll have to break out the scope again. Should be able to see the moons pretty well. I’ve got a 8” Orion I haven’t played with for years. Not a fan of the GEM mount tho’
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