Skip to content
Home Shows This Day In History
Cable Provider Drop Down Menu
  • Visit
  • Sign Out
Your Profile
  • Profile
  • Sign Out
Stream HISTORY

The Universe

  • about
  • Episodes
The Hunt for Ringed Planets
Start Streaming

The Universe

S 4 E 5

The Hunt for Ringed Planets

Sep 15, 2009 | 45m 12s | tv-pg | CC

They are breathtaking, lethal and a constant source of surprise. The stunning rings of Saturn have mesmerized countless scientists over the centuries. With particles the size of a house shooting at 53,000 miles per hour around the planet, any spacecraft passing through would meet an instant and catastrophic end. Inside the rings is like a NASCAR race–with bumping, jostling and frequent collisions that can cause a massive spin-out. Lesser known are the other planets that have rings–Uranus, Jupiter, Neptune, possibly Pluto and Mars. Even Earth has a ring. Comprised of some 200 satellites in a geosynchronous orbit, it is the only known man-made ring in the universe. But the most remarkable thing about rings is that they contain the story of the birth of our solar system, and entire distant galaxies. Rings are more than a wonder of the universe–they reveal the secrets of our own origins.

Get Instant Access to Free Updates

Don’t Miss Out on HISTORY news, behind the scenes content, and more.

Please enter a valid email address
By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Global Media. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States. More details:
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contact Us

Need help with the site?

A+E Global Media
  • HISTORY Education
  • HISTORY Vault®
  • HISTORY Apps
  • HISTORY2™
  • HISTORY en Español®
  • Military HISTORY®
  • Newsletter Sign Up
  • Share Your Opinions
  • FAQ / Contact Us
© 2025, A&E Television Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
  • AETV homepage
  • mylifetime homepage
  • lmn homepage
  • fyi homepage
  • viceland homepage
  • biography homepage
  • crime and investigation homepage
  • lrw schedule page
  • HISTORY Education
  • HISTORY Vault®
  • HISTORY Apps
  • HISTORY2™
  • HISTORY en Español®
  • Military HISTORY®
  • Newsletter Sign Up
  • Share Your Opinions
  • FAQ / Contact Us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Employment Opportunities
  • A+E Factual Studios™
  • Accessibility Support
  • A+E Studios®
  • TV Parental Guidelines
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright Policy
  • Cookie Notice
  • Ad Choices

WELCOME: You are logged in with an Unknown Provider and can now watch all available content.

Get the latest email updates from HISTORY!

Invalid Email

Invalid Zip Code

Choose your favorite shows:
No thanks
By submitting your information you agree to receive email updates from HISTORY and A+E Global Media. You can opt out at any time. More details:
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contact Us

There was an error!

Please try again later.

Thank you for subscribing!

You will soon receive emails about your favorite HISTORY shows.

Create a Profile to Add this show to your list!

        Get Started
Already have a profile? Sign In