News in Brief Planetary Science

Saturn’s rings mess with the gas giant’s atmosphere

Shadows and ‘ring rain’ affect electron levels in the planet’s ionosphere, final Cassini data suggest

Saturn’s rings

BLOCKING THE SUN  Saturn’s rings cast a shadow on the gas giant’s charged upper atmosphere, blocking ionizing rays as well as visible light.    

JPL-Caltech/NASA, Space Science Institute

By Lisa Grossman

- More than 2 years ago

NEW ORLEANS — Saturn’s mighty rings cast a long shadow on the gas giant — and not just in visible light.