What are Saturn’s Rings Made Of?

All images: NASA

Sixth Planet in Solar System

Saturn is the sixth planet in our solar system and the second-largest. Saturn is nearly the size of Jupiter but has less than one-third of its mass.

An Extensive Ring System

Saturn has an extensive ring system, and at least 146 moons orbit the planet. Saturn is the most aesthetically appealing planet in the solar system due to its rings. But what are the rings made of?

Billions of Particles

Saturn’s rings are made of billions of pieces of rocks, ice, and dust. Some of these particles are as small as a grain of salt, while others are as big as houses.

How Were the Rings Formed?

There are two theories about how Saturn’s rings formed. The first theory suggests that the rings are remnants of a destroyed moon of Saturn. But the second theory suggests that rings were left over from the original nebular material from which Saturn was formed.