The major gaps in the rings of Saturn are MOST likely to be caused by
A) beams of charged particles, similar to Earth's Van Allen belts, in Saturn's magnetosphere that clear out this region.
B) mutual gravitational interactions between the multitude of particles in the rings.
C) the intervention of a massive body that moved through the rings in their early history, leaving the gaps.
D) gravitational forces from Saturn and/or its moons that deflect the paths of particles that stray into the gaps.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The major gaps in the rings of Saturn are primarily caused by gravitational forces from Saturn and its moons. These forces can clear paths in the rings, creating gaps by deflecting or capturing particles that stray into these areas. This phenomenon is known as gravitational resonance.

The Major Gaps in the Rings of Saturn Are MOST