Question

Our astronomy study group buddies have once again found themselves in conflict while discussing Saturn, specifically, why the planet's rings seem to disappear every few years when viewed from Earth.

Student A: Saturn's rings occasionally seem to vanish because of their chemical composition. The radiation produced by the planet darkens the methane compounds in its rings. They need 6 or 7 years to rejuvenate before they become visible again.
Student B: Saturn's rings occasionally seem to vanish because of their low temperature. The ice-coated dust particles in the rings refract incoming sunlight so dramatically that the light bends out of the visible portion of the spectrum. The planet's rings are most visible when the distance between Saturn and the Sun is at its maximum.
Student C: Saturn's rings occasionally seem to vanish because of their angular inclination. The rings are so thin that, whenever we see them edge-on, they almost disappear. Saturn's rings are most visible when we can see their tops or bottoms. Which student is correct, A, B, or C?
Using your own words, explain why you agree with the student you chose as correct. Why do you disagree with each of the students you believe are incorrect?

Answer 1

Student C.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student C statement is correct about the disappearing of Saturn's rings. The main reason of disappearing of Saturn's rings is the sloping of the Saturn planet. Saturn has its own orbit in which he revolve around the sun, During its movement, the orbit takes it to a location where the planet seems to tip just enough so that the rings slowly seem to be disappearing. The view of student A is incorrect because the ring is not made of methane gas, it is made of large pieces of comets, asteroids or shattered moons. The view of Student B is also incorrect because there is not just the ice coated dust particle but also pieces of rocks which reflect the light not refracted.