SATURN OBSERVATORY

Internal Structure

Rocky Core
Iron-nickel and silicates · 9–22 Earth masses · ~25,000 km diameter · Diffuse boundary with metallic hydrogen
Metallic Hydrogen
Liquid metallic hydrogen layer · Generates magnetic field via dynamo · Saturn is more centrally condensed than Jupiter
Molecular Hydrogen
Liquid H₂ and He · Helium "rain" droplets descend generating additional heat · Gradual gas-liquid transition
Cloud Layer
Three-tiered: ammonia ice (0.5–2 bar), ammonium hydrosulfide (3–6 bar), water droplets (10–20 bar)
Upper Atmosphere
Pale yellow hue from ammonia crystals · Diamond rain possible · 11,700°C core temperature

Geology & Exploration

Mythology & Culture

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