Moneycontrol PRO
HomeScienceNASA shares Saturn’s rings shifting as equinox marks seasonal change

NASA shares Saturn’s rings shifting as equinox marks seasonal change

Saturn’s rings orbit along the planet’s equator. Their appearance depends on the tilt of Saturn’s spin axis toward the Sun.

September 22, 2025 / 10:53 IST
Equinox at Saturn (Image: Imran Sultan/NASA)

Equinox at Saturn (Image: Imran Sultan/NASA)

The skies hold a changing story, and Saturn is at its centre. As Earth reaches its equinox, the ringed giant reveals its own seasonal shift.

Why do Saturn’s rings change with the seasons?
Saturn’s rings orbit along the planet’s equator. Their appearance depends on the tilt of Saturn’s spin axis toward the Sun. When the axis points toward the Sun, the rings shine most prominently. During equinox, however, the axis points sideways, and the rings appear edge-on and harder to see from Earth and the Sun.

What do the latest images show about Saturn?
A montage of images from 2020 to 2025 reveals Saturn’s slow transition. The planet has moved from northern summer towards southern summer, with this year’s equinox marking the shift. The sequence shows how the ring’s angle gradually changes until they almost vanish from view at equinox.

When was Saturn closest to Earth?
Coincidentally, Saturn reached its closest approach to Earth yesterday. The planet is now brighter and more visible across the night sky. Observers can enjoy its presence throughout the evening, even if the iconic rings appear faint from our perspective.

Saturn’s changing rings highlight the rhythm of celestial seasons. This equinox connects Earth’s balance of light with the distant dance of the Solar System’s most recognisable giant.

first published: Sep 22, 2025 10:53 am

Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!

Subscribe to Tech Newsletters

  • On Saturdays

    Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.

  • Daily-Weekdays

    Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.

Advisory Alert: It has come to our attention that certain individuals are representing themselves as affiliates of Moneycontrol and soliciting funds on the false promise of assured returns on their investments. We wish to reiterate that Moneycontrol does not solicit funds from investors and neither does it promise any assured returns. In case you are approached by anyone making such claims, please write to us at grievanceofficer@nw18.com or call on 02268882347