Rings around planets

[ChrisEdu]

I think most of us are able to appreciate the rings around Saturn, but, I was wondering, which other planetary rings are visible and with what equipment. For example, would it be possible to see the rings of Uranus with a 12" scope, or would more aperture be required? What about Neptune etc...? Or is it a case of having to be satisified with Saturn's rings?

[John]

My understanding is that the rings that have been found around other planets are only detectable through big professional telescopes and remote probes.

I guess it's just possible that it might be possible to detect them with amateur equipment if they occult a star but through the impact they have on the brightness of the star rather than directly.

John

[Dangerous-Dave]

John is right, the rings around Uranus - the second brightest rings in the solar system - were only detected using photometry of background stars. I don't know whether you would be able to detect such variations in brightness with an amateur telescope though.

[ChrisEdu]

Thanks for that. Shame - my children, and I, had been hoping it might be possible to see some other planetary ring systems.

[acey]

Herschel claimed to see rings round Uranus but he also claimed to see trees on the Moon. Saturn's are the only ones we can see through a telescope but there are plenty to look for (at least 3 of them). "Spokes" in the rings were identified telescopically by Stephen O'Meara before the Pioneer probe confirmed them.

[athornett]

This is a great thread - I was wondering the same question! now it is answered....

Andy