Planetary rings explained: composition, formation theories, and a comparison of Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune’s rings.

Because it’s bigger, Jupiter ought to have larger, more spectacular rings than Saturn has. But new UC Riverside research shows Jupiter’s massive moons prevent that vision from lighting up the night ...

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Left to right: Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter show off their rings for various NASA spacecraft.

Since this past September, Saturn’s been the best planet to enjoy through even a small telescope, even though its ring system ...

A little moonlet, too small to be seen from Earth, could be playing cosmic sheepdog by shaping the thin rings around the distant minor planet Chariklo, according to new computer simulations. At about ...

Astronomers have detected a three-ringed structure in the nursery of planets in the inner planet-forming disk of a young star. This configuration suggests two Jupiter-mass planets are forming in the ...

Beyond our solar system, there’s a whole selection of planets unlike anything we see around the Sun. In the cosmic candy shop, there are Ring Pops (less magnificent versions of Saturn), Hot Tamales ...

All four of the solar system’s giant planets have ring systems. The rings of Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune are dark, sparse belts or ringlets. Only Saturn’s massive main rings are dense and bright, ...

The narrow rings around Chariklo, which is the largest known Centaur, could be maintained by an unseen moonlet. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s ...