The discovery of the Saturn ring system

Abstract

It is pointed out that in the last several years planetary ring studies have evolved from observations of a single example, related to Saturn, to studies of a class of objects. The rings of Uranus were discovered in 1977 by their unexpected occultations of a star. Observations of planetary rings during the time from 1979 to 1982 are largely related to space missions involving the Pioneer 11 Saturn encounter (1979), and Voyager Jupiter (1979) and Saturn (1980-81) encounters. However, ground-based observations he also played and will continue to play a major role. The rings of Saturn are discussed, taking into account structural details, particle properties, and questions concerning an existence of embedded moonlets. Details regarding Jupiter's ring and Uranus' rings are also investigated. Theoretical developments of general interest are considered, giving attention to gravitational torques, internal collective effects, and electromagnetic and erosive processes acting on ring particles.