Questions from the lecture on Thursday, July 31

(202)

Ganymede is covered with ice, like Europa, but it has regions that appear relatively dark and light. How and why does the solidification age of a darker region typically compare to the age of a lighter region on icy moons?

(203)

What observational evidence tells us that the rings of Saturn are made up of millions of tiny independently orbiting particles rather than a solid sheet of matter? Explain. As part of your answer, describe (or show) what the evidence would look like if Saturn's rings were a solid sheet of matter.

(204)

Explain how Mimas creates the resonance gap in Saturn's ring system known as the Cassini Division.

(205)

How do we know that Saturn hasn't always had a ring system? Explain the process by which we think Saturn acquired a ring system (as part of your answer, explain what the Roche Limit is).