------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 958 1995 May 21 11.50UT Ed:Guy M Hurst, 16,Westminster Close, Kempshott Rise, Basingstoke, Hants, RG22 4PP,England. Telephone/FAX(0256)471074 Int:+44256471074 INTERNET: GUY@TAHQ.DEMON.CO.UK GMH at AST.STAR.RL.AC.UK ------------------------------------------------------------------- SATURN: FIRST RING PLANE CROSSING During 1995 and 1996, the rings of Saturn will be seen edge-on from the Earth's perspective on three occasions, and from the Sun's perspective once. This is a rare event that only occurs every 15 years. The triple ring plane crossings are particularly favorable in providing astronomers with a unique opportunity to observe Saturn's rings and moons. During a ring plane crossing when the rings are edge-on to Earth, the glare from the rings is reduced considerably, and faint objects near Saturn are easier to see. Thirteen of Saturn's moons have been discovered during ring plane crossing events, including three new moons during the last ring plane crossings in 1979-1980. The dates for the upcoming ring plane crossings are: ********1995 May 22, 0518 UT - 1st Earth Crossing (24 minutes)***** 1995 Aug 10, 2054 UT - 2nd Earth Crossing (28 minutes) 1995 Nov 19, 1509 UT - Sun Crossing, No Shadow (3.8 days) 1996 Feb 11, 2334 UT - 3rd Earth Crossing (12 minutes) The above times are accurate to within 2 hours. After 1996, the next Saturn triple ring plane crossing will not take place until the year 2038, - so do not miss out on this opportunity! JPL WWW page, 1995 May 21 Guy M Hurst