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SOLAR SYSTEM - OUTER PLANETS
Lesson 2 - Page 5

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SATURN (continued)

Saturn's ring system makes the planet one of the most beautiful objects in the solar system. Saturn's white rings were first seen by Galileo in 1610. The rings may be debris from satellites or comets broken apart by tidal forces. Saturn has the most extensive satellite system in the Solar System. More than 47 bodies orbiting around Saturn have been identified and 6 can be easily seen through the telescope.

Saturn is named for the Roman god of agriculture concerned with the sowing of the seeds. He is regarded as the father of Jupiter. Jupiter supposedly chased him away and he was taken in by the god Janus in Latium where he introduced agriculture and wine making. This event heralded a period of peace, happiness and prosperity, the Golden Age. Since Saturn was the god of farmers, the beginning of winter was a large feast to celebrate the end of the harvest. The biggest feast in his honor was the Saturnalia which became the biggest influence in the inception of today's Christmas-New Year holidays. Saturday was named for Saturn.

 


Mimas, a 394 km diameter moon has a larger crater on the top. 




Dione is the 4th largest moon, showing icy fluids that broke through the crust.

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