Shepherding Panets Illustrated (IMAGE)

National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Shepherding Panets Illustrated

Caption

Particles in dust ring are kept inside the ring by gravitational interaction with planets. Faster-moving inner planet transfers energy to dust particles, moving them outward, deeper into the ring. Slower-moving outer planet removes energy from the particles, causing them to drop inward.

Credit

CREDIT: Bill Saxton, NRAO/AUI/NSF

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