2 years, 11 months ago
What affect does Saturn's moons have on the shape of its rings?
Does Saturn's moons gravitation perturb the topology of its rings?
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Saturn's moons have several effects on its ring system. Some of the dense, narrow rings are kept in place by pairs of small "shepherd moons" orbiting on either side:
http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/saturn/rings.html
The braided appearance of the F ring is caused by the slightly elliptical orbit of one of its shepherd moons; its varying gravitational pull causes regular distortions of the ring.
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v437/n7063/full/nature04212.html
Other small moons orbiting within the ring system create gaps, the ring particles having either collided with the moon or been moved into different orbits by the moon's gravity. Orbital resonances between Saturn's outer moons and the ring system create both gaps and areas of increased ring density.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_of_Saturn
http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/saturn/rings.html
The braided appearance of the F ring is caused by the slightly elliptical orbit of one of its shepherd moons; its varying gravitational pull causes regular distortions of the ring.
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v437/n7063/full/nature04212.html
Other small moons orbiting within the ring system create gaps, the ring particles having either collided with the moon or been moved into different orbits by the moon's gravity. Orbital resonances between Saturn's outer moons and the ring system create both gaps and areas of increased ring density.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_of_Saturn
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