In typical cases, astronomers usually deal with time frames expressed in billions of years, and sometimes a greater metric. But according to a recent study, it has been almost confirmed that the rings
But according to a recent study, it has been almost confirmed that the rings in Saturn and some of its moon are much younger, and it may be even younger than the dinosaurs. The new findings are published in the Astrophysical Journal on March 25, 2016.Astrophysical Journal on March 25, 2016.
This research was conducted by a team of scientists from the Search for Extra-terrestrial Intelligence Institute (SETI), and they have made use of data collected by NASA’s Cassini mission, which helped them analyze the orbit of Saturn, thus paving way to estimate the age of the planet ring and its moon.
At this juncture, readers should understand that Saturn was discovered in 1600s. From then, people believed that this planet had that unique ring from the date of its birth.
In 2012, astronomers from France made a startling discovery regarding the ring around the planet. These experts discovered he tidal effects moons have on Saturn’s fluid interiors which cause the rings.
The researchers made it clear that it is frozen water and other liquids which cause the rings around the planet. At that time, these researchers suggested that rings formed much later than the formation of Saturn.
Researchers from Search for Extra-terrestrial have now backed these claims, and they are of the opinion that these rings and moons were formed 100 million years ago.
Dinosaurs inhabited the planet 230 to 66 million years ago, and this gives a clear cut understanding that Saturn was ring-less when dinosaurs ruled the earth.
Saturn has more than 62 identified moons as of now, and it includes the mammoth Titan. The study also claims that distant moons like Titan would have been formed much earlier, but the inner moons are so young.
