Our Planets Found: Saturn
When found:
Known since prehistoric times.
By who:
Ancient Assyrian and Babylonian astronomers.
Description:
Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun, a gas giant famous for its stunning ring system made of ice particles, rocks, and dust, and has at least 146 moons.
Distance from Earth:
Closest distance: approximately 746 million miles.
Length of Year & Day:
Year: 10,747 Earth days (about 29 years).
Day: 10.7 hours.
Interesting fact:
Saturn is the least dense planet; it could float in water if there was a bathtub big enough.
Like its Finder:
Like the ancient Assyrians who observed its slow movement as a sign of an elder god, Saturn takes nearly 30 years to orbit the Sun, moving with deliberate grace.
