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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 July 2011
“Muse, raise thy voice, mysterious truth to sing,
How o'er the copious orb a lucid ring,
Opaque and broad, is seen its arch to spread
Round the big globe, at stated periods led.”
This planet shines brighter than an ordinary first-magnitude star, and is a pretty conspicuous object, though less luminous than either Venus, Jupiter, or Mars. He emits a dull yellowish light, steadier than the sparkling lustre of Mercury or Venus.
The globe of Saturn is surrounded by a system of highly reflective rings, giving to the planet a character of form which finds no parallel among the other orbs of our system. His peculiar construction is well calculated to be attractive in the highest degree to all those who take delight in viewing the wonders of the heavens. Saturn is justly considered one of the most charming pictures which the telescope unfolds. A person who for the first time beholds the planet, encircled in his rings and surrounded by his moons, can hardly subdue an exclamation of surprise and wonder at a spectacle as unique as it is magnificent. Even old observers, who again and again return to the contemplation of this remarkable orb, confess they do so unwearyingly, because they find no parallel elsewhere; the beautifully curving outline of the symmetrical image always retains its interest, and refreshes them with thoughts of the Divine Architect who framed it!
The luminous system of rings attending this planet not only gratifies the eye but gives rise to entertaining speculations as to its origin, character, and purposes with regard to the globe of Saturn.
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