Saturn and Its Rings

Visible in this image are the classic rings recorded by the very first astronomers to observe Saturn with telescopes. From the outside in are the A ring with the visible Encke Gap, the Cassini Division, the B ring, and the C ring with the distinct Maxwell Gap. Data from NASA’s Cassini mission suggest that the rings formed about 200 million years ago, roughly around the time of the dinosaurs during the Jurassic period. The gravitational disintegration of one of Saturn’s small moons created myriad icy debris particles and collisions that continue today. It is likely that these continually replenish the rings. The planet’s banded structure, clearly visible in this image, is caused by winds and clouds at different altitudes.