Starship Asterisk*

Saturn is visibly flattened (oblate) when viewed in line with the ring plane; its equatorial and polar diameters vary by almost 10% (120,536 km vs. 108,728 km). This is the result of its rapid rotation and fluid state. The other gas planets are also oblate, but not so much so. . Thanks for the 'mos...

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Wondering about the apparent difference in the diameter of Saturn in the photo, 'with' the rings and 'across' the rings, if that makes sense..

Is it real or an photo 'artifact' or..??


Obviously my intimate knowledge of Saturn is weak...


...tom...

... If anything this thread has been useful in getting new readers and old lurkers signed up. Interesting the lengths some will go to stir up . . .'ill feelings' when the truth is easier to believe and easier to demonstrate. Now that I finally joined I may just have to contribute in other, more plea...