• As the shadow of the rings moves across the planet's surface, do they move with the seasons, e.g. in one hemisphere in summer, moving to the other in winter? If not, what's the schedule?
• Approximately how much of the Earth, in degrees of latitude, would be covered in shadow at the farthest point from the equator? At the equator? e.g. would a state the size of Washington be covered?
• If the equator isn't always covered in shadow, what, if anything, could you change about the solar system to keep at least some of the equatorial zone covered in shadow? e.g. less tilt to the axis?
• How dark would it be in the shadow? e.g. dark enough long enough to effect crop growth?
• What, if anything, would somebody on the surface see in the sky? Could humans see the rings without visual aids?
Also, if you know of a good 3d model of the solar system [that doesn't cost thousands of dollars] to help me visualize the movement of the shadows, that'd be swell. I remember something from school that had a handle to turn and the planets moved around the sun; something like that with a light source would be good. Also acceptable would be a software model [Mac or PC] if I can put the POV on the surface.
Thanks for any help you can be.
