Saturn

Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and the second-largest in the Solar System, after Jupiter. It is a gas giant with an average radius about nine times that of Earth. It is best known for its beautiful and distinct ring system, which is made up of ice particles, rocks, and dust.

Physical Characteristics

Saturn has a pale yellow hue due to ammonia crystals in its upper atmosphere. It also has a prominent ring system that extends hundreds of thousands of kilometers from the planet. Saturn is composed mostly of hydrogen and helium, with traces of water, methane, ammonia, and other compounds.

Moons

Saturn has a vast number of moons, with over 80 confirmed satellites. The largest of these is Titan, which is the second-largest moon in the Solar System and has a dense atmosphere. Other notable moons include Enceladus, known for its geysers of water vapor, and Mimas, which has a large impact crater giving it the appearance of the "Death Star" from Star Wars.

Study Guide

1. What is the position of Saturn in the Solar System?
2. What gives Saturn its pale yellow hue?
3. Describe Saturn's ring system.
4. How many moons does Saturn have?
5. Which is the largest moon of Saturn and what makes it notable?

[Saturn] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• The solar systemScience • Fifth Grade