Orbital Resonance Can Clear Gaps in Disks

Gravity makes empty lanes in rings.

Resonances between planets and surrounding material, like Saturn’s rings or protoplanetary disks, create gaps by clearing particles over time.

Why This Matters

This mechanism explains structures in debris disks and planetary formation zones.

Resonances inform exoplanet searches and migration theories.

Did You Know?

Kirkwood gaps in the asteroid belt are caused by Jupiter’s resonances.

Source

[NASA, nasa.gov]

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