Last giant ring found in Saturn

2009/10/08 Lakar Iraizoz, Oihane - Elhuyar Zientzia

• Astronomia

NASA researchers discover a ring that revolves around Saturn thanks to the Spitzer Space Telescope. It is not any ring, it is much larger than the other rings of Saturn, at least among the known. The particles closest to the planet are about six million kilometers away and the furthest ones about twelve million kilometers away. Thus, to match the ring diameter it would be necessary to place about 300 Saturn together.

Much, therefore, yes, but not very bright. The particles reflect at a high level the infrared light and the Spitze detectors have detected it.

In the representation you see Saturn very small in the center, in infrared light, and far away, the ring you just found.

Image courtesy of: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Keck