Saturn withdraws a trick at the end of this week, which has not happened since 2009: How to see

Not every day is a prominent feature in our solar system, but this is exactly what will happen with Saturn. During the weekend, Wonderful Saturn episodes It will almost fade from view. Don’t worry, they will return within two weeks.

This phenomenon is caused by an optical illusion that occurs when the stars are lined up. Saturn tends at 26.73 degrees throughout its course, while the Earth is very close to that at 23.5 degrees. When the planets are properly lining up, Saturn rings are almost horizontal from the Earth’s perspective, causing most often to fade.

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“As Saturn and the Earth travel around the sun, we will be in a periodic position where these rings are shown on the edge,” explains Dr. Shannon Chamul, Director of Abrams Bluxarium at Michigan State University. “Because the rings are very thin, if we look at them, we cannot see (rings).”

Therefore, it is possible that anyone looking at the sky this week will notice that the planet will not look very similar to the brand rings. However, if you use a strong telescope, the rings will remain visible. It will appear as if a thin line passes through the middle of Saturn, as shown in the drawing above.

How will Saturn’s episodes disappear?

Mail Zel and Earth is the main thing. It is like looking at a piece of paper. If you hold it horizontally to the eye level, it will be practically invisible. Paper is a suitable analogy here because Saturn’s episodes are The thinner than many believe.

“Saturn’s episodes are incredibly thin,” said Shama. “Even the thicker estimates were put the rings one kilometer (about half a mile). Saturn’s diameter is more than 116,000 km, so relatively very thin.”

According to NasaThe average saturn episodes is about 30 feet along the length of the loop. This means when displayed from the side at a distance 1.5 million km (983,000 miles), you may also look at a sheet from the side.

The episodes are still technically visible. People with high -energy telescopes may be able to see the line wandering through Saturn. However, those who suffer from low -energy telescopes may not see this, which makes Saturn look naked.

When will the episodes come back?

The peak of this small heavenly dance will occur during the weekend. Therefore, technically, the episodes were already like this for a week or two and will continue to see going to April. By that time, Saturn’s orbit will start tilt the rings again, and they will slowly return to the show during the following month or month.

“Technically, crossing the circular plane is only for a moment when it is a complete edge,” Shamal said. “For strong telescopes, we can see the rings quickly again. For most rear yolk telescopes, though, you should wait a few months before seeing them again.”

How much is this event?

According to To NASAThis happens about 13 to 15 years on average. It is not an accurate science, as previous events occurred in 1980, 1995 and 2009.

“The orbit of Saturn is just less than 30 years, so there are twice in the orbit of Saturn when that angle is correct,” says Dr. Shamal. “Sometimes this happens when it is Saturn on the other side of the sun of us, which makes it difficult to see because the sun is in the way.”

Shamwoul says, “The next” must come in 2038 or 2039, and it must be “much easier.”