Saturn - the sixth planet from the Sun and the second largest planet in the solar system after Jupiter . Saturn, along with Jupiter , Uranus and Neptune , is classified as a gas giant. Saturn is named after the Roman god of agriculture . Saturn's symbol - the hammer ( Unicode : ♄).
Saturn consists mainly of hydrogen, helium with impurities and traces of water , methane, ammonia and heavy elements. The
inner region is a small core of iron, nickel and ice covered with a
thin layer of metallic hydrogen and a gaseous outer layer. The outer atmosphere of the planet from space seems calm and smooth, although sometimes it appears the long-term education. Wind speed on Saturn can reach places 1800 km / h, which is significantly larger than Jupiter . Saturn
has a planetary magnetic field , occupying an intermediate position on
the tension between the Earth's magnetic field and powerful field of
Jupiter. Saturn's magnetic field extends over one million kilometers in the direction of the sun. The shock wave was recorded " Voyager 1" at a distance of 26.2 radius
of the planet Saturn , the magnetopause is located at a distance of 22.9
radius.
Saturn has a prominent system of rings , consisting mostly of ice particles , fewer heavy elements and dust. Around the planet turns 62 currently known satellite. Titan - the largest of them , as well as the second largest moon in
the Solar System (after Jupiter's moon , Ganymede ) , which is superior
in size and has a unique Mercury satellites of the solar system a dense
atmosphere .
Currently
orbiting Saturn is automatic interplanetary station "Cassini" ,
launched in 1997 and reached Saturn system in 2004 , whose mission is to
study the structure of the rings , as well as the dynamics of Saturn's
magnetosphere and atmosphere .