Call it the case of the missing moon.
Scientists using data obtained by NASA's Cassini spacecraft and computer simulations said on Thursday the destruction of a large moon that strayed too close to Saturn would account both for the birth of the gas giant planet's magnificent rings and its unusual orbital tilt of about 27 degrees.
"We assume it was mostly composed of water ice," said planetary scientist and study co-author Burkhard Militzer of the University of California, Berkeley. Cassini orbited Saturn 294 times from 2004 to 2017, obtaining vital data including gravity measurements that were key to the new study, before the robotic explorer made a death plunge into the planet.
The drama began when Titan's orbit around Saturn began to drift outward - a process still occurring - destabilizing the orbit of Chrysalis, they said. Titan's outward migration is considered relatively rapid, at about 4 inches per year - which does not sound like much but over time amounts to a lot, especially for such a big moon.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
City issues call for last safety barriers for Saskatoon busesLocal union president says more security is still needed for workers and passengers.
Weiterlesen »
Roschon Johnson ready to answer the call at QBStarting quarterback Quinn Ewers is out. And backup quarterback Hudson Card has a balky...
Weiterlesen »
The economics behind 'quiet quitting' — and what we should call it insteadIs 'quiet quitting' about being lazy or setting healthy boundaries? Is it even real? We dig into the data and ask workers themselves about what it means to them.
Weiterlesen »
Some Indians call for return of legendary Koh-i-Noor diamond from BritainThe 105.6-carat “Koh-i-Noor” diamond, now mounted on the queen’s crown, has been a symbol of conquest throughout its centuries of history.
Weiterlesen »
Some Indians call for return of legendary Koh-i-Noor diamond from BritainThe 105.6-carat “Koh-i-Noor” diamond, now mounted on the queen’s crown, has been a symbol of conquest throughout its centuries of history.
Weiterlesen »