IFL Science
By James Felton
April 7, 2026
Anew study simulating Saturn’s past suggests its rings may have formed following the breakup of a hypothetical moon dubbed “Chrysalis”, around 100 million years in the planet’s past.
Saturn is believed to have formed within around 10 million years after the Sun’s own formation, and shortly behind our largest gas giant Jupiter. It was assumed that its distinctive rings – made of particles of rock and ice – were formed at the same time, around 45 billion years ago.
Super Sleuth
