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Hi Steve,
Astronomy 2009 has the rings closed on Sept 4, that is when Earth passes through the ring plane, however at that time Saturn will be fairly close to the Sun.
The data for my work with Georg Fischer, at least until the end of January shows the rings to be opening.
27/12 -0.805 degrees
31/12 -0.814 degrees
04/01 -0.837 degrees
08/01 -0.874 degrees
12/01 -0.924 degrees
16/01 -0.987 degrees
20/01 -1.063 degrees
24/01 -1.150 degrees
28/01 -1.249 degrees
16/01 -0.987 degrees
These data are the angles of the rings relative to Earth.
I would advise anyone wishing to make an attempt at imaging possible storm activity to try on these dates. The storms, if any, are likely to be in the Storm Alley region at Lat 35 Sth.
Regards
Trevor
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