The Saturnian Rings
Abstract
The structure of the Saturnian rings is compared with the asteroidal belt and the relative importance of the resonance effects and the cosmogonic effects is evaluated. No visible correspondence to the Kirkwood gaps is expected theoretically, nor is there any observational evidence for such effects. The only possible resonance is the 1:1 resonance with Saturn's spin period. Cosmogonic ‘shadow’ effects are responsible for the main features of the ring structure, including Cassini's division, the limit between the B and C ring, and possibly also Guérin's division.
- Publication:
-
Astrophysics and Space Science
- Pub Date:
- August 1976
- DOI:
- 10.1007/BF00640559
- Bibcode:
- 1976Ap&SS..43...97A
- Keywords:
-
- Cosmology;
- Planetary Evolution;
- Planetary Rotation;
- Saturn Rings;
- Spin Resonance;
- Angular Velocity;
- Asteroids;
- Astronomical Models;
- Planetology;
- Ring Structures;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration