A new take on how Saturn's rings formed
Friday, December 17, 2010 - 20:31
in Astronomy & Space
An icy moon similar to Titan may have crashed into the planet long ago, a scientist calculates using data from the Cassini spacecraft. One scientist calls the theory 'a fairly complete story of what might have happened.'The striking rings of Saturn are an anomaly in the solar system. While the rings of other planets are dim and composed of nearly equal parts rock and ice, those of Saturn are much brighter and are more than 95% ice, a phenomenon that has defied explanation — until now.