ON STRUCTURE OF SATURNIAN RINGS

The structure of the Saturnian rings is usually attributed to resonance effects produced by the innermost satellites. It is shown that this theory is inadequate. It seems unlikely that any force acting today can cause the observed structure. Arguments are given for the view that the ring structure is of cosmogonic origin and has been preserved from the time when the rings and the satellites were formed. The cosmogonic theory of the Saturnian rings is discussed. Both Mimas and the newly discovered Janus seems to have affected the ring structure. The theory leads to the prediction of a new undiscovered satellite moving between Janus and Mimas. © 1968.