Saturn's sidereal period around the Sun is approximately 29 years.The time interval between viewing Saturn at opposition and next viewing it again at opposition is
A) 1 year.
B) slightly less than1 year.
C) slightly more than1 year.
D) approximately 29 years.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The time interval between viewing Saturn at opposition (when it is opposite the Sun in the sky) and viewing it again at opposition is slightly more than one year. This is because while Saturn takes approximately 29 years to orbit the Sun, the Earth also orbits the Sun and "catches up" to Saturn each year. Therefore, it takes slightly more than one Earth year for Saturn to return to opposition.

Saturn's Sidereal Period Around the Sun Is Approximately 29 Years