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Multimedia: Propeller-Shaped Structures in Saturn’s Rings

Saturn Propellers Reflect Solar System Origins -- Resources

Scientists using NASA's Cassini spacecraft at Saturn have stalked a new class of moons in the rings of Saturn that create distinctive propeller-shaped gaps in ring material. It marks the first time scientists have been able to track the orbits of individual objects in a debris disk. The research gives scientists an opportunity to time-travel back into the history of our solar system to reveal clues about disks around other stars in our universe that are too far away to observe directly.


		Sunlit Propeller A propeller-shaped structure created by an unseen moon is brightly illuminated on the sunlit side of Saturn's rings in this image obtained by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft. Image Credit: NASA/JPL/SSI + Full image and caption

		Tracking a Propeller NASA's Cassini spacecraft captured a propeller-shaped disturbance in one of Saturn's rings created by a moon that is too small to be seen here. Image Credit: NASA/JPL/SSI + Full image and caption

		Propeller from Unlit Side A propeller-shaped structure created by an unseen moon appears dark in this image obtained by NASA's Cassini spacecraft of the unilluminated side of Saturn's rings. Image Credit: NASA/JPL/SSI + Full image and caption

		Giant Propeller in A Rings An unusually large propeller feature is detected just beyond the Encke Gap in this Cassini image of Saturn's outer A ring taken a couple days after the planet's August 2009 equinox. Image Credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute + Full image and caption

		Propeller Churns the A Ring This movie created from images obtained by NASA's Cassini spacecraft shows a propeller-shaped structure created by a hidden, embedded moon moving through one of Saturn's rings. Image Credit: NASA/JPL/SSI + Movie and full caption