Cassini division

Image of Saturn obtained by the Cassini probe where the division of Cassini is distinguished between the A and B rings.

High resolution image obtained by the Cassini probe in the passage of the rings.

The Cassini division is the separation between the A (outer) and B (inner) rings of Saturn: it was discovered by Giovanni Cassini in 1675. This separation is located 122,340 km from center of Saturn and has a width of about 4800 km.

Although at first glance there seems to be no material in this separation, recent studies reveal that it is only an area with less material density. The cause of the scarcity of material in the Cassini division is the gravitational influence with the satellite Mimas. The Cassini division is in gravitational resonance with the orbit of said satellite, so the material is expelled by the successive passages of Mimas.

Saturn's rings have other notable divisions such as the Encke division or the Keeler division, but the Cassini division is the most intense and the only one that can be clearly observed with an amateur telescope.