Advancing planetary science through rigorous research and accessible education
Founded in 2019, Saturn Rings Observatory emerged from a shared passion among planetary scientists to make cutting-edge research on Saturn's ring system accessible to a broader audience. What began as a small research blog has evolved into a comprehensive platform bridging academic research and public education.
Based in Pasadena, California — home to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory — we are uniquely positioned at the heart of planetary exploration. Our proximity to leading research institutions enables close collaboration with scientists actively analyzing data from the Cassini-Huygens mission and planning future exploration initiatives.
Over the past five years, we have published over 120 articles, collaborated with 12 partner institutions, and contributed to the broader understanding of planetary ring dynamics. Our work has been cited in academic papers and used as educational material in university courses worldwide.
An interdisciplinary approach to understanding planetary ring systems
Applying principles of gravitational dynamics, orbital mechanics, and celestial mechanics to understand ring structure and evolution.
Analyzing the chemical composition of ring particles through spectroscopic data to understand their origin and transformation.
Integrating knowledge from planetary formation, moon-ring interactions, and comparative planetology to build comprehensive models.
Developing sophisticated simulations to predict ring behavior, particle collisions, and long-term evolutionary processes.
Leading experts in planetary science and ring dynamics
Director & Principal Investigator
Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Caltech, Dr. Martinez specializes in orbital dynamics and gravitational resonance in planetary ring systems. She has published over 40 peer-reviewed papers and served as a Cassini mission data analyst.
Senior Research Scientist
With a Ph.D. from MIT in Planetary Science, Dr. Thornton focuses on spectroscopic analysis and particle composition. His research on ring particle chemistry has contributed significantly to understanding ring formation mechanisms.
Computational Astrophysicist
Dr. Patel holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University and leads our computational modeling efforts. Her simulations of ring-moon gravitational interactions have provided crucial insights into ring stability and evolution.
Data-Driven Analysis: We base our research on comprehensive analysis of mission data, particularly from the Cassini-Huygens spacecraft, which provided unprecedented detail about Saturn's ring system.
Peer Collaboration: We work closely with research institutions worldwide, including NASA JPL, ESA, and leading universities to ensure our analyses reflect the latest scientific understanding.
Accessible Communication: While maintaining scientific rigor, we strive to make our findings accessible to students, educators, and space enthusiasts through clear explanations and visual representations.
Ongoing Research: Ring science is an evolving field. We continuously update our analyses as new data becomes available and new theoretical frameworks emerge.
Collaborate with us, access our resources, or simply stay informed about the latest discoveries in Saturn ring science.
Contact Us