Fact Check: Saturn will pass earth with a ring in 2027

Fact Check: "Saturn will pass Earth with a ring in 2027"

What We Know

The claim that "Saturn will pass Earth with a ring in 2027" is misleading. Saturn's rings are not a physical object that can pass by Earth; rather, they are a system of ice and rock particles that orbit the planet. According to Jonti Horner, a professor of astrophysics, Saturn's rings will become nearly invisible from Earth around March 2025 due to a phenomenon known as "ring plane crossing," where the rings align edge-on with Earth. This event occurs approximately every 15 years, and while the rings will seem to disappear temporarily, they will reappear as the viewpoint changes. The next significant visibility of Saturn's rings will not be until 2027 or 2028, but this does not imply that Saturn will pass Earth in a way that involves its rings.

Analysis

The assertion that Saturn will pass Earth with its rings in 2027 lacks scientific basis. The rings of Saturn are not detached from the planet; they are a part of Saturn's system and do not "pass" Earth in a conventional sense. The confusion may arise from the periodic visibility of the rings, which changes due to the tilt of both Earth and Saturn as they orbit the Sun. As noted by NASA, the alignment of Saturn's rings with Earth happens every 13 to 15 years, leading to temporary periods where the rings appear edge-on and thus are less visible.

Furthermore, the claim does not align with the astronomical events listed in reliable sources. For instance, the Wikipedia entry on future astronomical events does not indicate any significant event involving Saturn passing Earth in 2027. The focus should be on the visibility of Saturn's rings rather than an actual passing event.

The reliability of the sources discussing Saturn's ring visibility is high, especially those from NASA and academic institutions. The articles from Astronomy Now and NASA Space News corroborate the understanding that the rings will not disappear permanently but will go through cycles of visibility based on their orientation relative to Earth.

Conclusion

Verdict: False. The claim that "Saturn will pass Earth with a ring in 2027" is misleading and incorrect. Saturn's rings will not pass by Earth; rather, they will undergo a temporary period of invisibility due to the geometry of their alignment. The next significant visibility of the rings will occur after 2025, but this does not equate to a passing event.

Sources

1. Will Saturn’s rings really ‘disappear’ by 2025? An astronomer explains
2. Hubble Views Saturn Ring-Plane Crossing - Science@NASA
3. List of future astronomical events
4. Saturn’s Rings to “Disappear” – Astronomy Now
5. What’s Making Saturn’s Rings “Disappear” – And Is It Forever?
6. Saturn's rings will 'disappear' this weekend. Here's why this ...
7. Saturn’s Iconic Rings Vanish From View As Rare Edge …
8. Will Saturn's rings really 'disappear' by 2025? An ...