Saturn

Characteristics of Astronomic Body
Saturn is about 19,300km (74,130mi) long. It is the 6th planet from the sun and the 2nd largest in our solar system. Saturn is about 1,429,400,000km from the sun. One of Saturn's days is about is about 10 hours and 39 minutes. This is because of Saturn's incredibly fast rotational speed, which also causes the average wind speed of Saturn to be over 1,000mph. One of Saturn's years is approximately 29.45 Earth years. Saturn is most recognizeable by its rings, which are divided into 7 layers. These are thought to be made of dust and ice debris, which are the remains of prevoius moons that have been destroyed by asteroids. Saturn's poles are also flat due to its rotaional speed. Saturn has a hazy yellow hue because of the hydrogen that makes up 75% of it's atmosphere. Saturn is the only planet less dense than water (by about 30%). Saturn also has no defineable surface. The planet's atmosphere cantains mostly hydrogen, which becomes increasingly dense as you move closer to the planet's core. A certain point in the planets atmosphere becomes so dense, the hydrogen liquifies and becomes a sea of liquid hydrogen. The other part of Saturn's atmosphere is comprised mostly of helium, with small traces of ice water and methane. [] []

Symbols and Duties of Mythological Figure
In Roman mythology, Saturn was the God of the Harvest and/or the God of Time, and typically carried a sickle or sythe as his symbol. [] []

Birth Story of Mythological Figure
Saturn was one of the original 12 Titans whos parents were Gaia and Uranus. Saturn was the Titan of the sky after he destroyed his father Uranus, and was later to be King of the Gods. __Classical Mythology__

Popular Story of Mythological Figure
Saturn was told by Uranus that he was to be overthrown by one of his sons. To prevent this, he swallowed each of his children, except for the youngest, who was to be Jupiter. Before Rhea gave Jupiter, she was overcome with grief that all of her children were to be eaten. Rhea traveled to speak with her parents, __ Gaia __ and Uranus, to plan the secret birth. Enraged from Saturns deeds, Uranus promises Saturns downfall by Jupiter's hand. They send the pregnant Rhea to Lyctus (Crete) to give Jupiter. When Rhea gave Jupiter, she gave him to Gaia to take care of him. Earth hid Jupiter in a cave in the depths of Mt. Aegeum so one day he may overthrow his tyrannical father. Rhea wrapped a stone in blankets and presented it to Saturn, who was expecting Jupiter. He swallowed the stone without notice. When Jupiter reached maturity, Saturn was beguilled into bringing up all that he had swallowed, first the stone, then each of his children. Jupiter, with his brothers and sisters (Vesta, Ceres, Juno, Pluto, and Neptune) waged war against Saturn. Jupiter also freed the Hecatonchires and the Cyclopes, who were imprisoned in Tartarus by Uranus, who decided to ally with Jupiter. Fighting alongside Saturn were each of the Titans, except for Themis and Prometheus. Atlas, brother of Prometheus, was an invaluable leader on the side of Saturn. The Hecatonchires hurled stones with their hundred-hand dexterity, and the Cyclopes forged Jupiter's lightning bolts. Jupiter and his allies defeated Saturn and the Titans and imprisoned them all in Tartarus (Hell). Atlas received the punishment of holding up the skies. Jupiter and his siblings were to rule over the Earth on Mount Olympus. __Classical Mythology__

Related Stories
Many figures from Roman and Greek mythology interacted with each other (especially the gods). Create a link to **at least** **one** other page whose mythological figure has impacted yours, or whose figure yours has had an impact on.

Myth or Science Connection
Saturn was dedicated a holiday to celebrate a good harvest known as the Saturnalia. It took place starting on December 17, and lasted the rest of that week. During this time, business was temporarily ceased, slaves became masters and vice versa, the law was loosened slightly, and people exchanged gifts. Some believe that this festival influenced the celebration date of Christmas. The 7th day of the week, Saturday, is named in honor of Saturn. [] __Classical Mythology__ Some stories lead to Saturn's imprisonment on a distant place, so that Jupiter would know where he is, but not be in a position to overthrow him. Other stories lead that Saturn was the God of Time, and because Saturn was the slowest moving visible planet, it was to be named after Saturn. []