Exploring Space

A new study suggests that Saturn’s rings could be billions of years old.  Until now scientists thought the rings were closer to 100 million years old.

The study conducted at the University of Colorado demonstrated the effect of meteorites crashing into the rings around Saturn.  Initially it was though that this action would cause the rings to breakup and shrink.  The study shows that the rings could pull back together though in a process that would make the rings appear much younger than they actually are.  Essentially the meteorite collision would knock the dust off of the rings.

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