# Space Snowballs Icy Formations Found in Saturn's Rings By Chelsea MacMillan | Published 2010-07-23 | World Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-snowballs References: [sciencedaily](http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100720215220.htm) & [jpl.nasa.gov](http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/) [NASA's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/light-painting-1) Cassini has been in orbit around Saturn for six years now and has just produced images of snowball-like formations. The larger of Saturn's two moons, Prometheus, is orbiting around Saturn's F ring clumping [icy particles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snoopys-moon-rocks) into giant space snowballs as it swings by the planet. The particles reside right at the equilibrium point between the tidal force and self-gravity of Saturn, which is why they are able to form. The so-called space snowballs are dense enough to have their own "self-gravity" and thus will continue to grow unless they are broken apart by another force. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.6/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 2% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world) > [World News](https://www.trendhunter.com/worldnews) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Giant Space Snowballs:** The discovery of giant space snowballs in Saturn's rings presents an opportunity for space exploration and mining companies to study and tap into these icy formations for potential resources. - **Equilibrium Point Formation:** Understanding the formation of icy particles at the equilibrium point in Saturn's rings can lead to advancements in celestial mechanics and potential applications in satellite technology. - **Self-gravity Properties:** Exploring the self-gravity properties of space snowballs can inspire innovative materials and structures that mimic these properties for space-related technologies. ### Where This Applies - **Space Exploration:** The discovery of giant space snowballs in Saturn's rings offers a unique opportunity for space exploration companies to study and potentially mine these formations for scientific research and resource extraction purposes. - **Astronomy:** Astronomy researchers and scientists can benefit from studying the formation and behavior of space snowballs in Saturn's rings to gain valuable insights into planetary dynamics and ring systems. - **Materials Science:** Materials science industries can leverage the understanding of self-gravity in space snowballs to develop new materials with enhanced properties such as self-assembly and improved structural integrity. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Seasonal Snow-Inspired Pretzel Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/auntie-annes-snowball-nuggets.md) - [Snowglobe-Inspired Dynamic Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/time-to-snow.md) - [Glass Solar System Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-solar-system-in-a-sphere.md) - [Better-for-You Snack Puffs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-balls.md) - [Snowball-Inspired Chocolate Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baker-and-baker.md) - [Galactic-Inspired Stationary Pins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/planet-pins.md) - [Digital Snowball Fights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-snowball-fight.md) - [Cookie-Inspired Holiday Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oreo-snowballs.md) - [Freeze-Dried Ice Cream Cubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frozen-cloud-by-panfruit.md)