Saturn rings are relatively young compared to planet

In 2017, NASA's Cassini spacecraft conducted 22 dives between Saturn and its rings to act as a gravity probe. By measuring the spacecraft's velocity changes, researchers estimated the mass of Saturn's rings. This mass estimation helped determine the rings' age, suggesting they are relatively young, formed between 10 to 100 million years ago. The rings, initially bright and icy, darken over time due to interplanetary debris.

What was the primary objective of Cassini's dives between Saturn and its rings?

• To capture images of Saturn's surface

• To act as a gravity probe

• To collect samples from Saturn's atmosphere

• To measure the temperature of Saturn's rings

How did researchers use Cassini's flight path to learn about Saturn's rings?

• By analyzing the color changes in the rings

• By measuring the deflection caused by the rings' gravity

• By counting the number of rings

• By observing the temperature variations in the rings

What relationship did previous research find between the mass of Saturn's rings and their age?

• Higher mass indicates a younger age

• Lower mass indicates a younger age

• Mass has no relation to age

• Mass increases with age

What happens to Saturn's rings over time?

• They expand and form new rings

• They become brighter and more icy

• They remain unchanged

• They become contaminated and darkened

What is the estimated age range of Saturn's rings based on recent calculations?

• 100 to 200 million years

• 1 to 10 million years

• 10 to 100 million years

• 200 to 300 million years