saturn's rings
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NASA Science News
December 13, 2002: Thirty years ago, Earth and Saturn had an
extraordinary close encounter. The ringed planet was only 1.2 billion km
from Earth--about as close as it can get--and its rings were tipped
toward us. The view through a telescope was simply breathtaking.
Next week it's going to happen again.
"On Dec. 17th, Saturn and Earth will be unusually close together--about
the same as thirty years ago," says NASA astronomer Mitzi Adams. And once
again the planet's rings are tilted in our direction for maximum effect.
"So get out your telescope." says Adams. "Even a small one will do."
FULL STORY at
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2002/13dec_saturn.htm?list809630
December 13, 2002: Thirty years ago, Earth and Saturn had an
extraordinary close encounter. The ringed planet was only 1.2 billion km
from Earth--about as close as it can get--and its rings were tipped
toward us. The view through a telescope was simply breathtaking.
Next week it's going to happen again.
"On Dec. 17th, Saturn and Earth will be unusually close together--about
the same as thirty years ago," says NASA astronomer Mitzi Adams. And once
again the planet's rings are tilted in our direction for maximum effect.
"So get out your telescope." says Adams. "Even a small one will do."
FULL STORY at
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2002/13dec_saturn.htm?list809630