Norfolk Island Stargazing by Peter Davies

The Rings of Saturn

In the Norfolk Island night sky

The Moon is currently in a waxing gibbous phase with the full Moon occurring this month on 12^th August. The other main objects able to be seen in the night sky this week are the constellation of Scorpio, the Red Giant Antares, the Southern Cross and now clearly seen in the eastern night sky is the planet Saturn.

Did you know?

…Saturn’s famous rings will eventually disappear – and we have a good idea when. The stunning belts of ice, rock and dust are slowly breaking apart. Scientists still aren’t entirely sure how the rings formed but they make Saturn one of the most instantly recognisable planets in our Solar System. Sadly, the phenomenon won’t last forever – and “ring rain” is to blame. This destructive process means parts of the belt are being disturbed, pulled into Saturn by gravity, and ultimately vaporised. It’s estimated that 10 tonnes of “ring matter” is falling into Saturn every single second. At the current rate of degradation, it’s estimated that the entire ring system of Saturn will vanish in around 300 million years.

Astronomy quote

“The scientific theory I like best is that the rings of Saturn are composed entirely of lost airline luggage.” ~ Mark Russell.

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Norfolk Island Stargazing: Open for business any day it’s not raining.

Bookings by appointment: Adults $48 (min 4) – Children $20.

(Self-drive / weather dependant)

For bookings call Peter on 52458 or email norfolkislandstargazing@gmail.com

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