Diagram from Huygens' Systema Saturnium (1659) showing Saturn as it appeared to various previous observers.

Featured on PDR in the essay The Uncertain Heavens: Christiaan Huygens’ Ideas of Extraterrestrial Life

During the 17th century, as knowledge of the Universe and its contents increased, so did speculation about life on other planets. One such source, as Hugh Aldersey-Williams explores, was Dutch astronomer, mathematician, and inventor Christiaan Huygens, whose earlier work on probability paved the way for his very modern evaluation of what alien life might look like.

Saturn as It Appeared to Various Previous Observers

Artist

Date

1659

From

Systema Saturnium


Underlying Rights

Public Domain Worldwide

Digital Rights

No Additional Rights

  • Labelled “Not in Copyright”
  • We offer this info as guidance only

  • Available up to size small
  • Exceptional quality, from $32 including delivery
  • Archival inks on high grade art paper
  • Framed option with solid wood and ready to hang

Image Size

2704 x 2604