2006-12-11 20:25:56 · 3 answers · asked by monlapa 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Saturn's rings are thought to be the remains of a moon that came to close and was pulled apart by Saturn's gravity. As for how many, I couldn't give you a precise answer but I do know that Saturn's rings are composed of many, many of "ringlets" which make up the one large ring that you can see through a telescope.
2006-12-12 01:43:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The origin of planetary rings is not precisely known, but they are thought to be unstable and dissipate over the course of tens or hundreds of millions of years. As a result, current ring systems must be of modern origin, possibly formed of debris from a moon that suffered a large impact or was disrupted by the parent planet's gravity when it passed within the Roche limit.
The composition of ring particles varies; they can be either silicate or icy dust. Larger rocks and boulders can also be present.
The International Astronomical Union has designated the following names for the rings of Saturn and the gaps between them.
There are 7 rings in total. From closest to furthest from the planet, they are: D, C, B, Cassini Division, A, F, G, E
2006-12-12 04:44:26 · answer #2 · answered by Gregory K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to balance it's gravity in it's own axis.
i have to check how many rings saturn has.
2006-12-12 04:28:48 · answer #3 · answered by Mori C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋