Saturn meets Saturn

Saturn Tea Light – 3D Printed Planet Model

This 3D-printed Saturn tea light serves as both a warm, ambient décor piece and an educational planetary model, perfect for science enthusiasts, space lovers, or anyone seeking a unique home accent. The photo of the Saturn model alongside the real Saturn was taken in late March, when the planet was visible just after sunset. That original model was never published. This new version features improved scientific accuracy. 

Design Features

• Planet Sphere – Modeled with subtle cloud bands and the distinctive hexagon storm at the north pole.
• Rings – Includes the A, B, and C rings , as well as the Cassini Division and Encke Gap for scientific accuracy. (Please note: In reality, Saturn’s rings are much larger in proportion to the planet. For this model, I’ve chosen a scaled-down ring size to keep the look balanced while still reflecting the key features of the real rings)
• Planetary Tilt Base– Mounted at a 26.7° tilt, matching Saturn’s real axial tilt.
• Compatibility – Designed to fit a standard LED tea light, comparable with the tea light from MakerWorld supply

Science Facts

• Saturn is a gas giant made mostly of hydrogen and helium—light enough to float in water.
• Its iconic rings are composed of countless ice and rock particles, ranging from dust-sized grains to house-sized boulders.
• One Saturn year equals about 29 Earth years.
• Saturn has at least 145 moons—Titan, the largest, has lakes and seas of liquid methane.

Suggested Materials

• PETG – For the planet and rings, offering strength and durability.
• PLA or PETG – For the base, depending on preferred finish.

When illuminated in a dim room, the Saturn tea light casts a soft, golden halo—bringing the beauty and wonder of the outer solar system into your living space.