Saturn Ring Angle

[Astrokev]

Hi All

Please could someone let me know where I can find an ephemeris calculator that gives the angle of Saturn's rings, for any specific day/month?

None of the app's and sites I generally use seem to have this information (which surprises me). I've tried CalSky, Heavens Above, Stellarium, Cartes du Ciel.

I've searched the web but can't find any calculator or data tables.

Any help gratefully received!

Thanks

Kevin

[geoflewis]

If using Windows try downloading WinJupos http://jupos.org/gh/download.htm

Sky and Telescope also have an App which can be used on line https://skyandtelescope.org/observing/interactive-sky-watching-tools/saturns-moons-javascript-utility/

or downloaded to an iPhone for a small fee.

Edited September 7, 2020 by geoflewis

[alex_stars]

Hi Kevin,

I think what you are looking for is this page: https://pds-rings.seti.org/tools/ephem2_sat.html

When you activate the field "Ring opening angle to Earth (deg)" you get the ring tilt angle as seen from Earth. Positive values (like for today 22.66) mean that the front side ring part (the one facing us) is down, negative is front side up.

Clear skies,

Alex

 

[Astrokev]

5 hours ago, geoflewis said:

If using Windows try downloading WinJupos http://jupos.org/gh/download.htm

Sky and Telescope also have an App which can be used on line https://skyandtelescope.org/observing/interactive-sky-watching-tools/saturns-moons-javascript-utility/

or downloaded to an iPhone for a small fee.

Thanks Geof. I have the S&T app already, but this doesn't quantify the ring tilt. I think WinJupos does, but it's listed as "declination of earth" which I assume is the same thing!

[Astrokev]

4 hours ago, alex_stars said:

Hi Kevin,

I think what you are looking for is this page: https://pds-rings.seti.org/tools/ephem2_sat.html

When you activate the field "Ring opening angle to Earth (deg)" you get the ring tilt angle as seen from Earth. Positive values (like for today 22.66) mean that the front side ring part (the one facing us) is down, negative is front side up.

Clear skies,

Alex

 

Thanks Alex, this is perfect, even though the time/date format is a bit of a faff! Just what I was looking for though 👍