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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 July 2011
Saturn is undoubtedly the most interesting member of the planetary system, not only from its being accompanied by 8 satellites, but especially on account of the system of rings by which it is surrounded. Belts are also occasionally noticed, but they are far more indistinct than those of Jupiter, though doubtless due to the same physical cause, whatever that may be. Spots are rare. Sir W. Herschel considered this planet to be surrounded by a very dense atmosphere; an idea that has been fully confirmed by subsequent observers.
When this planet was first telescopically examined by Galileo, he noticed that it presented a very oval outline, which he conjectured was owing to a larger planet having on each side of it two smaller ones. He added, that with telescopes of superior power, the planet did not appear triple, but exhibited an oblong form, somewhat like the shape of an olive.
Continuing his observations, the illustrious astronomer was not long in noticing that the two (supposed) bodies gradually decreased in size, though still in the same position as regards their primary, until they finally disappeared altogether.
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