Saturn’s rings the remnants of a moon that strayed too close, say scientists

Violent death of moon Chrysalis may have spawned Saturn's rings

Scientists 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.

Saturn’s rings and tilt could be the product of an ancient, missing moon

Scientists propose a lost moon of Saturn, which they call Chrysalis, pulled on the planet until it ripped apart, forming rings and contributing to Saturn’s tilt.

A long-lost moon explains the origin of Saturn’s signature rings

“Just like a butterfly’s chrysalis, this satellite was long dormant and suddenly became active, and the rings emerged."

A long-lost moon explains the origin of Saturn’s signature rings

“Just like a butterfly’s chrysalis, this satellite was long dormant and suddenly became active, and the rings emerged."

A long-lost moon explains the origin of Saturn’s signature rings

“Just like a butterfly’s chrysalis, this satellite was long dormant and suddenly became active, and the rings emerged."

A long-lost moon explains the origin of Saturn’s signature rings

“Just like a butterfly’s chrysalis, this satellite was long dormant and suddenly became active, and the rings emerged."