Here's how Saturn might look in the next hundred million years. The innermost rings might disappear first, as they rain onto the planet. In this scenario, they'd be very slowly followed by the outer rings. Image via NASA/Cassini/James O'Donoghue.
Scientists have long said that Saturn's glorious rings may be only temporary. New research confirms a "ring rain" onto Saturn that'll leave the planet ringless in 100 to 300 million years. Watch a video.
You need an alarm clock and a clear sky to the east, the sunrise direction. Binoculars might come in handy. The 2 bright planets will come closer and closer, finally closest on December 21. Beautiful! More charts here.
For the Southern Hemisphere, the upcoming solstice marks the longest day of the year. Gordy Losic captured this December 6 sunset in Adelaide, South Australia. Thanks for sharing, Gordy!
