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Saturn

1.16. Numerical Data (Part 2)

Saturn Observational Parameters

Distance from Earth
min
max

1195.5 x 1012m
1658.5 x 109m
Apparent diameter from Earth
Maximum
Minimum

20.1 seconds of arc
14.5 seconds of arc
Apparent magnitude at opposition 0.7

Saturn Mean Orbital Elements

Semi Major Axis 9.53707032 AU
Longitude of Ascending Node 113.71504 degrees
Longitude of Pelihedron 92.43194 degrees
Mean Longitude 49.94432 degrees

Saturnian Magnetosphere

Dipole Field Strength 0.218 gauss - Rs3
4.70 x 10 28cm3
Dipole Tilt to Rotational Axis 0.7 degrees
Dipole Offset (planet centre to dipole centre) distance 0.04 to 0.05 Rs* northward

*Rs is the radius of Saturn: 60330 km

Saturnian Atmosphere

Surface Pressure << 100 bars
Average Temperature ~ 97 K
Temperature at 1 Bar ~ 134 K
Density at 1 Bar ~ 0.19kg/m3
Windspeed Up to ~ 400 m/s (< 30 degrees latitude)
Up to ~ 150 m/s (> 30 degrees latitude)
Scale height 5.95 X 104m
Mean molecular Weight 2.07 g/mol

Atomosphere Composition

(uncertainty in parentheses)

Major H2 - 96.3% (2.4 %)
He 3.25% (2.4 %)
Minor (in PPM) Methane CH4 4500 (2000)
Ammonia NH3 125 (75)
Hydrogen Detoured (HD) 110 (58)
Ethane C2H6 7 (1.5)
Aerosols Amonia Ice,
Water Ice,
Ammonia Hydrosulphide

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