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Hydrogen dominates the structure of Saturn's atmosphere,

but small amounts of helium and methane are also present. If life support on Saturn came into discussion, we'd have to agree that the conditions are very different from those on Earth. Saturn has a lower density than water; thus, were there a lake or ocean, Saturn would be floating in it. Chances for life support remain standing in what Saturn's moons are concerned, though, but studies are in progress, and until we have more conclusive data, all remains pure speculation.

Another planetary feature that attracts one's attention on Saturn is the high wind; imagine wind blowing at about 1,100 miles per hour in in low and central latitudes. But apparently, nothing seems as spectacular on Saturn as the ring system that surrounds the planet. There are three main ring sectors scientists have classified so far: we can actually consider them three rings in fact, with two brighter and one fainter. The spacecrafts that have studied Saturn and its orbiting celestial bodies indicate that there are thinner rings in the structures we perceive as large, and they are not continuous at all.

The exact origin of the rings of Saturn remains a mystery for the moment; what makes them so special is that many of them are smaller or larger icebergs, including a significant amount of water. Other ring parts consist of dust mainly that present characteristics of electrostatic charging, thus enabling the formation of spokes. Very fine dust particles connect to make these spokes, but they don't last for long and disappear as quietly as they formed. Then, there is a close connection between some of the rings and smaller Saturn satellites that appear to have an impact on the dust presence in certain areas. Moreover, {the discovery of Saturn's natural satellites is only at the beginning; who knows what surprises there may be in stock out there|the revelations science had with the discovery of Saturn's moons are neither the first nor the last, who knows what will show up next?

 
Gaylene Slater
Hi, I am Gaylene Slater,
author of Living The Good Life
through Work Love and Family.

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