Saturns Rings...

[eddy]

Still a noob and not really done enough research yet to answer my own question, do we see saturn on its side at any point? Making its rings more visible? As of yet i have only seen saturn point on, making its rings a thin slither through the planet Which, of course is good but it would be nice to see otherwise

Hope this isnt too dumb and im missing something quite relevant!

Eddy

[dave1978]

Yes over time the Saturn's orientation will change and the rings will come face on to us. Summer 2007 was a good time to see the rings.

[JamesK]

Saturns rings do alter their angle over time and become more visable, the thing is they're more edge on at the moment. I don't think the planet is ever "on it's side". This illustrates it well: A Change of Seasons on Saturn

[eddy]

Thanks for the replies guys! Just a matter of waiting i guess then?

One more thing, little off topic, M42 orion, when is it best viewed? I have downloaded lists of easiest objects and M42 was at the top, but stated that it was January for the best month of viewing.....is this true?

Thanks again

Eddy

[DarkerSky]

The rings will open wider now at each successive apparition through to 2017. By 2011 the rings will probably be wide enough to trace the main division in the rings most of the way around

[JamesK]

Anytime in Winter for M42. You could probably still catch it early on in the evening now, but it's past it's best.

[Space Bat]

M42 is best in the months between November and February - with Orion high in the sky between the months of late December - January.

So yes best in January due to it reaches the meridian

Chris

[eddy]

That would explain why i cant grasp it then! lol

i did try last night but by the time the sky was clear enough it was VERY low and the moon was in full shine! lol

Thanks again for the replies!

Eddy

[Space Bat]

There is always next year and the year after that

Chris

[LukeSkywatcher]

Saturns rings do alter their angle over time and become more visable, the thing is they're more edge on at the moment. I don't think the planet is ever "on it's side". This illustrates it well: A Change of Seasons on Saturn

Wouldn't that be AMAZING if every now and then we were treated to the spectacle of Saturn tilted a full 90 degrees either way so that we were looking straight down onto its ring system.

What is the MAX tilt of Saturn?....................30 degrees?

[mike.brightmore]

This link gives a fair bit of information about our view of Saturn's rings.

Saturn's Orbit and the changing aspect of the Rings

[LukeSkywatcher]

Thanks Mike. I THINK it shows a MAX tilt of 27 degrees. Oh i was so close.

[Chris H]

Eddy, if your quick and its clear get out and check out M42 just after its got dark and you might just see the nebula. Otherwise as others have said you'll have to wait till late Autumn and winter.

[Pete Presland]

lots of summer goodies to keep you happy between now and autumn

[Peter Reader]

What are the best/ easiest things to see in the coming weeks/ months?

[pvaz]

Skymaps.com - Publication Quality Sky Maps & Star Charts

Scroll down for the April map. Try the objects on the list attached to the map.

[barkis]

The best views of Saturns Rings are coming from the Cassini spacecraft. The pictures are stunning, and show not only the rings, but many of Saturn's Moons. The larger ones, as well as the shepherd moons that orbit wityhin the Ring system itself.

I know it's not the same as seeing the planet with ones own telescope. But there is so much to learn from Cassini's mission there.

Not forgetting Titan, which has a lander on the surface. No longer sending data unfortunately, but you've got to marvel at the results from there.

Ron.

[dezmaas]

Even though they are edge on and not as beautiful, I find it very interesting being able to see the the rings as a tiny thin black line across the surface of the planet.