The “Gaps” in Saturn's rings mimics Protoplanetary Planet Formation
Saturn's rings, with their mesmerizing beauty and intricate structure, offer a captivating glimpse into the dynamics of celestial mechanics. The gaps within these rings, far from being empty spaces, are key to understanding how planets and their moons form. In fact, these gaps hold striking similarities to the processes occurring in protoplanetary discs, the birthplaces of planets around young stars. Moons as Sculptors of the Rings Imagine Saturn's rings as a vast, cosmic racetrack composed of countless icy particles. Now, picture small moons like Pan and Daphnis as tiny race cars zipping around this track. As these "moon-cars" orbit within the rings, their gravity acts like an invisible plow, pushing aside the icy particles and carving out distinct gaps. This is how gaps like the Encke and Keeler gaps are formed. These moons, known as "shepherd moons," essentially maintain the edges of these gaps, preventing the ring particles from spreading bac