Cassini data points to origin of Saturn ring
Posted: Fri, Aug 3, 2007, 7:19 AM ET (1119 GMT)
Scientists studying data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft have discovered what they believe is the origin for one of the more unusual rings surrounding the planet Saturn. In a paper published in this week's issue of the journal Science, scientists said Saturn's G ring is likely linked to an arc of relatively large ice particles in a part of the ring's inner edge. Collisions with micrometeoroids create smaller particles, which are then spread throughout the ring by plasma in Saturn's magnetic field. The origin of the G ring had previously puzzled scientists because, unlike some other rings, it is not linked to a moon that can supply it with source material.
Scientists studying data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft have discovered what they believe is the origin for one of the more unusual rings surrounding the planet Saturn. In a paper published in this week's issue of the journal Science, scientists said Saturn's G ring is likely linked to an arc of relatively large ice particles in a part of the ring's inner edge. Collisions with micrometeoroids create smaller particles, which are then spread throughout the ring by plasma in Saturn's magnetic field. The origin of the G ring had previously puzzled scientists because, unlike some other rings, it is not linked to a moon that can supply it with source material.
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