Satellites are combined to save the ring of Saturn

Satellites are combined to save the ring of Saturn

For more than 30 years, scientists believed that only Janus did not allow the ring A of Saturn to disintegrate. But the latest Cassini data show that the whole thing is in the collaboration of 7 satellites.

If the ring is not affected, then it collapses over time and the particles scatter into space. Cassini made several passes into the gaps and obtained a lot of new useful information about the lunar masses and the physical parameters of the rings. Mathematical calculations have shown that Janus cannot independently hold ring A.

Satellites are combined to save the ring of Saturn

The moons of Saturn do not allow the planetary ring to disintegrate. Image captured by Cassini’s mission. Before you are ring density waves created by tiny satellites.

It turns out that Pan, Atlas, Prometheus, Pandora, Epimeteus, and Mimas are also responsible for its integrity. Together they create enough influence. The device hit the atmosphere on September 15 and sent detailed images of the ring structure. Ring A resembles a vinyl record. Visible density waves similar to indentations for recording. The researchers found that these resonant markers help reduce and slow down the momentum of destruction of the ring.

Ring A contains hundreds of such density waves generated by lunar resonances. These pushes slow down and push away the ring. When approaching Janus, the impulses lose their force and the edge of the ring is created.

Scientists do not yet know exactly how the ring appeared, but now we are deciphering the mechanism of its integrity.

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