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The dominant gas in Saturn’s atmosphere is hydrogen, but small amounts of helium and methane are also present. If we were to think about the possibility of life developing on this planet similarly to Earth’s life conditions, we have to admit that it is very unlikely. Saturn has a lower density than water; thus, were there a lake or ocean, Saturn would be floating in it. The possibility to sustain life has not been excluded in reference to Saturn’s satellites, though, but studies are in progress, and until we have more conclusive data, all remains pure speculation.

Another planetary feature that attracts one’s attention on Saturn is the high wind; imagine wind blowing at about 1,100 miles per hour in the equator area. But at first glance, nothing seems as spectacular on Saturn as the ring system that surrounds the planet. Three different sectors have been identified in the rings: we can actually speak of three rings in fact, with two brighter and one fainter. Space probes sent to study this unique planetary characteristics have revealed that each so-called ring consists of a large number of smaller ones, and that there are gaps between or inside the main ones too.

The exact origin of the rings of Saturn remains unexplained; what makes them so special is that many of them are smaller or larger icebergs, including a significant amount of water. Other ring sectors consist of dust mainly that present characteristics of electrostatic charging, thus allowing for the formation of spokes. Three are made of very fine dust particles, which are usually short-lived as the spokes merely dissipate. Then, there is a close relation between some of the rings and smaller Saturn moons that seem to influence the dust presence in certain areas. Moreover, the discovery of Saturn’s natural satellites is only at the beginning; who knows what surprises there may be in stock out there?

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