Why is it believed that the rings of Saturn could not have formed just as the planet itself formed?
A) Over time the solar wind should have blown away the particles in the rings.
B) The particles in the rings should eventually fall into the planet in a short period of time.
C) The rings are made of ice particles which would have been vaporized by the heat released as Saturn formed
D) The outer planets do not have enough mass to hold on to the rings.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rings of Saturn are believed to be made of ice particles, which would have been vaporized due to the heat released during Saturn's formation. Therefore, it is unlikely that the rings could have formed at the same time as the planet. The rings of Saturn are made up of mostly ice particles which would have been vaporized by the heat released as Saturn formed. Therefore, it is believed that the rings formed later through the collision or breakup of small moons or other objects.

Why Is It Believed That the Rings of Saturn Could