ansae

ansae

(an -see) The parts of Saturn's rings that are visible on each side of the planet as viewed from the Earth. They appear rather like handles on a double-handled cup (the Latin word ansa means ‘handle’).

Collins Dictionary of Astronomy © Market House Books Ltd, 2006

ansae

[′an·sē]

(astronomy)

The ends of the rings of Saturn, as seen from the earth.

Opposing extension or knots of a celestial object, such as a planetary nebula or lenticular galaxy.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.