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

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.