Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Sept 6, 2023 2:50:26 GMT -6
The Chicago Astronomer returns to Portage Park
Saturday 09 September 2023
Saturday 09 September 2023
Join the Chicago Astronomer crew Saturday, evening at Portage park as we make our annual return to one of our favorite parks where our fans come out in large numbers to meet and chat all things astronomical. You are welcome to bring your telescopes and join us catching Saturn and her beautiful system in our telescopes.
Note: Saturn's rings are slowly closing to us as she makes her 29 1/2 years orbit around the Sun. This is a normal phenomenon as the 29 degree ring tilt changes to our perspective. The last time Saturn's rings were "Edge On' was in 2009, where they just vanish. Considering that the ring system is only about 30 feet thick, not surprising. The next time they will be edge-on will be 2025. We are at 8 degrees open presently and closing.
Every 15 years, the rings "disappear" and the process starts again, only this time the northern hemisphere will be displayed to us, which has the mysterious Hexagon....
But, in the long run...her rings will be gone...they will disappear in about 300 million years. Future Astronomers will only have a sphere to enjoy. But for now, we get to marvel at her rings and even catch some of her natural satellites, especially Titan...the Methane world.
Be there with the cool kids...you know you want to.
Astro Joe
Note: Saturn's rings are slowly closing to us as she makes her 29 1/2 years orbit around the Sun. This is a normal phenomenon as the 29 degree ring tilt changes to our perspective. The last time Saturn's rings were "Edge On' was in 2009, where they just vanish. Considering that the ring system is only about 30 feet thick, not surprising. The next time they will be edge-on will be 2025. We are at 8 degrees open presently and closing.
Every 15 years, the rings "disappear" and the process starts again, only this time the northern hemisphere will be displayed to us, which has the mysterious Hexagon....
I like to believe Azgard is there.
But, in the long run...her rings will be gone...they will disappear in about 300 million years. Future Astronomers will only have a sphere to enjoy. But for now, we get to marvel at her rings and even catch some of her natural satellites, especially Titan...the Methane world.
Be there with the cool kids...you know you want to.
Astro Joe