Science | Saturn Death of a Moon Created Saturn's Rings Space murder led to iconic shape: astronomer By Matt Cantor Posted Dec 13, 2010 11:44 AM CST Updated Dec 18, 2010 1:45 PM CST Copied This image provided by NASA, taken Oct. 6, 2004, by the Cassini Saturn Probe, shows the planet Saturn and its rings. (AP Photo/NASA) How did Saturn get its distinctive rings? Through the destruction of one of its moons, new research suggests. It was “a case of cosmic murder,” reports the Daily Mail: A Colorado astronomer argues that a layer of hydrogen gas drove many moons toward the planet. In the process, the ice was peeled from one giant moon; that ice began to orbit Saturn and led to rings. Potentially bolstering her theory is the fact that the rings are 95% ice. They were once much larger, the research, published in Nature, holds—but the ice of outer rings has turned into new moons. However, this theory doesn't explain how other planets like Jupiter and Neptune got their rings. Click for more intriguing news about Saturn's rings. Read These Next RFK Jr. suggests antidepressants to blame after shooting. A Social Security whistleblower says retaliation made him quit. Isolated tribe members show up in an unexpected place. A new possible clue in the hunt for Travis Decker. Report an error