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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Saturn Moon Rings Detected

Rhea could be be the first known moon with rings

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(Newser) – Saturn’s second-largest moon, Rhea, could be the first known moon with rings. The spacecraft Cassini detected apparent evidence of rings when it spotted debris around Rhea as it flew by in 2005, reports space.com. The set of rings has not been directly seen, but scientists inferred that the rings existed because the spacecraft measured a drop in electrons on both sides of the moon.

Rhea, which is about half as large as Earth’s moon, is one of Saturn’s dozens of moons.  “Rhea seemed to be one of the least interesting of the moons, but now it looks like it might be interesting for its own special reasons,” said a Cassini scientist . Researchers hope to get a closer look at the moon if the spacecraft’s mission is extended.

This view of Saturn taken by cameras aboard the Cassini spacecraft was released by NASA in January. Saturn's shimmering rings may be as old as the solar system. (AP Photo/NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratories)
This view of Saturn taken by cameras aboard the Cassini spacecraft was released by NASA in January. Saturn's shimmering rings may be as old as the solar system. (AP Photo/NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratories)   (Associated Press)
This artist's conception provided by NASA shows the ring of debris that may orbit Saturn's second-largest moon, Rhea, shown at left. These new observations, detected by the Cassini spacecraft suggest Saturn's second-largest moon may be surrounded by rings, possibly the first time a ring system has been found around a...
This artist's conception provided by NASA shows the ring of debris that may orbit Saturn's second-largest moon, Rhea, shown at left. These new observations, detected by the Cassini spacecraft suggest...   (Associated Press)
This image provided by NASA on May 31, 2007 was taken as the Cassini spacecraft flew over the unlit side of Saturn, capturing Saturn's glow. (AP Photo/NASA, File)
This image provided by NASA on May 31, 2007 was taken as the Cassini spacecraft flew over the unlit side of Saturn, capturing Saturn's glow. (AP Photo/NASA, File)   (Associated Press)
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