AST101H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Density Wave Theory, Equatorial Ridge, Rings Of Saturn

• School: UTSG
• Department: Astronomy & Astrophysics
• Course: AST101H1
• Professor: Ian Shelton

Document Summary

Name in roman mythology, saturn is the god of agriculture. The associated greek god, cronus, was the father of zeus (jupiter). Location saturn is the sixth planet from the sun, with an average distance of approximately 887 million miles. Size saturn measures 74,810 miles in diameter. Saturn is actually less dense than water, and therefore it would actually float if a body of water large enough to accommodate it existed! Number of satellites 62 known moons. Composition saturn"s atmosphere is primarily composed of hydrogen ( 93%) and helium ( 6%). The remainder is comprised of trace amounts of methane, ammonia, hydrogen deuteride, ethane, water, phosphine, and hydrocarbons. Like jupiter, these hydrocarbons formed through photochemical reactions and lightning. Helium rain saturn"s atmosphere contains less helium than jupiter"s. The lower internal temperature that saturn exhibits today causes helium droplets to form and precipitate out of the atmosphere. Structure 2 the structure of saturn"s atmosphere is similar to jupiter"s in many ways.