The role of Saturn’s magnetism in the equilibrium separation of particles of dense rings

Abstract

For the first time we have demonstrated that, taking into account the interaction of Saturn's magnetic field with the diamagnetic ice particles of the rings, it is possible to explain the separation of particles. It is shown that there is an equilibrium distance between the particles when the force of gravitational attraction between them is compensated by the force of magnetic repulsion. An expression for calculating the equilibrium distance is obtained. It also becomes clear why the ring particles do not stick together.