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The Saturnian rings

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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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plasma Physics, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden

    Hannes Alfvén

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  1. Hannes Alfvén
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Alfvén, H. The Saturnian rings. Astrophys Space Sci 43, 97–104 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00640559

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00640559

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