Saturn’s rings could be remains of moon that strayed too close, say scientists

Theory of inner satellite ripped apart by gas giant's gravity 100-200m years ago also explains rings' relative youth

Saturn's famous rings could be the aftermath of a moon that was ripped apart by the planet's gravity, according to scientists.

The research, based on data from the final stage of Nasa's Cassini mission, suggests that Saturn may have been ringless for almost all of its 4.5bn-year existence. But about 160m years ago, an inner moon strayed too close to the gas giant causing it to be pulled apart, painting out its own orbit in a trail of shattered icy fragments.