Australian Geographic

Ringing in the changes

SATURN WITH its magnificent ring system is known as the pearl of the solar system with good reason… just look at the picture above.

It fascinates everyone, from backyard skywatchers to planetary scientists but the startling result of recent observations is that the rings are fast disappearing.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Australian Geographic

Australian Geographic4 min read
Aussie Towns: Walhalla, Vic
WALHALLA, KNOWN AFFECTIONATELY as “Australia’s Valley of the Gods”, is a beautifully restored historic goldmining town, perfectly located in a narrow valley between hills that are now verdant, but were once almost totally denuded of trees. The mining
Australian Geographic10 min read
Floating First
IT’S JUST AFTER 4am when hot-air balloon pilot Nicola Scaife trundles out of bed and pulls on thick, rainbow-coloured socks to brace against the pre-dawn chill. The two-time women’s world champion pads around in the inky darkness, brewing a cup of te
Australian Geographic3 min read
Traces: Mary Kathleen, Qld
IN APRIL 1983 Bargain hunters and mining executives alike flocked to the uranium-mining town of Mary Kathleen, about 50km by road east of Mount Isa in north-western Queensland. Mary Kathleen’s uranium mine had closed the year before, leaving scant em

Related Books & Audiobooks