In Roman mythology, an ancient god (Latin Saturnus may come from Etruscan), originally regarded as a god of agriculture, but in classical times identified with the Greek Cronus, deposed by his son Zeus (Jupiter). His festival in December, Saturnalia, eventually became one of the elements in the traditional celebrations of Christmas.
Saturn was the name given to the most remote of the seven planets known to ancient astronomy (now known to be the sixth planet from the sun in the solar system). In astrology, on account of its remoteness and slowness of motion, Saturn was supposed to cause coldness, sluggishness, and gloominess of temperament in those born under its influence, and in general to have a baleful effect on human affairs.
Saturn is also the name of a series of American space rockets, of which the very large Saturn V was used as the launch vehicle for the Apollo missions of 1969–72.
Subjects: Classical Studies.