A cloud of debris would have the same gravitational effect on the rings that it would if it were gathered up into one heap. That is mostly a function of mass, not shape or density. The "debris rubble-pile"" hypothesis is just a way to get around describing it as a cylindrical solid object, we really don't want to go there just yet, since it is very, very difficult to explain how something like that could be a result of purely natural processes.
Although an orbiting cloud of debris might appear to be solid and rigid, with a defined geometrical shape, a higher resolution image might reveal it for what it really was, a ellipsoid of revolution (like a football) with hazy boundaries. That's the easiest and most reasonable explanation, but it certainly isn't definite yet, by any means. I am fascinated by this thing, and I can't wait for more data.
Space/Science » in reply to Gravity and shape
"too coherent to be just a rubble pile-up"
The whole thread (35 posts)
- An interesting "thing" in the 35 km wide Keeler gap around Saturn
- Two likely end-members
- "Explanation"?
- Finally! Justification for manned mission to Saturn!
- Um...are there three of them? (n/t)
- Or is it emitting Whale sounds LOL!
- re: Um...are there three of them?