456 Dr. Herschel’s Observations and Remarks on the 
objects, and are furnished with instruments that will show 
them distinctly, with a very high and luminous magnifying 
power. 
If the equator of the planet Jupiter were inclined to the 
ecliptic like that of Saturn, I have no doubt but that we should 
see a considerable change in its figure during the time of a 
synodical revolution ; notwithstanding the spheroidical figure 
occasioned by the rotation on its axis has not the extended 
flattening of the polar regions that I have remarked in Saturn. 
But since not only the position of the Saturnian equator is 
such that it brings on a periodical change in its aspect, 
amounting to more than 6 2 degrees in the course of each 
revolution, but that moreover in the shape of this planet there 
is an additional deviation from the usual spheroidical figure 
arising from the attraction of the ring, we may reasonably 
expect that our present telescopes will enable us to observe a 
visible alteration in its appearance, especially as our attention 
is now drawn to this circumstance. 
In the year 1 789 I ascertained the proportion of the equa- 
torial to the polar diameter of Saturn to be 22,81 to 20,61,* 
and in this measure was undoubtedly included the effect of the 
ring on the figure of the planet, though its influence had not 
been investigated by direct observation. The rotation of the 
planet was determined afterwards by changes observed in 
the configuration of the belts, and proper figures to represent 
the different situation of the spots in these belts were deli- 
neated. -f In drawing them it was understood that the shape 
of the planet was not the subject of my consideration, and 
that consequently a circular disk, which may be described 
* Phil. Trans, for 1790, page 17. f Ibid, for 1792, page 22. 
