Giant Ringed Star: Could it Exist in the Galaxy?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the possibility of a star in the galaxy having a giant set of rings, akin to those of Saturn but on a much larger scale. Participants consider various aspects of such a phenomenon, including the formation and stability of the rings, as well as comparisons to existing structures like asteroid belts and protoplanetary disks.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a star could have rings similar to Saturn's, but larger.
  • Others suggest that such rings would require moon-sized or planet-sized bodies to maintain the ring structure and prevent coalescence due to gravitational forces.
  • It is noted that materials in the rings would need to withstand radiative pressure from the star to avoid being pushed away.
  • One participant mentions that the blue-giant star Acheron is believed to have a gas torus ring around it, although this claim is met with skepticism regarding the star's name and designation.
  • Another participant argues that if the rings were to be proportionally as large and as close to the star as Saturn's, it would be impossible due to high temperatures that would prevent ice from surviving.
  • There is a mention of the existence of asteroid belts, which could be a more plausible structure around a star.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of a star having rings like Saturn's, with some supporting the idea under certain conditions while others argue against it. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific characteristics and existence of such rings.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations related to the conditions necessary for ring formation, such as temperature and gravitational influences, but do not resolve these issues.

ajm133
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Might there somewhere in the galaxy by a star with a giant set of rings, just like those of our own saturn, only much bigger?
 
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ajm133 said:
Might there somewhere in the galaxy by a star with a giant set of rings, just like those of our own saturn, only much bigger?

You mean... like an asteroid belt? Or maybe a protoplanetary disk?
 
Perhaps, but the star would probably need some moon-sized or planet-sized bodies the herd the materials forming the rings so that they don't coalesce due to gravitation. Also, the materials forming the rings would have to be sized such that they could resist radiative pressure from the star and not get pushed away. Stars appear to be able to clear their environs of dusts quite efficiently.
 
I believe the blue-giant star Acheron has a gas torus ring around it?
 
If you mean a star with rings that are proportionally as big and as far away as Saturn's - about 1-2 radii out - that's impossible. That close to a star and it's far too hot for ice (the material of Saturn's rings) to survive.

If you're talking about something more like an asteroid belt, sure - in fact our sun has one.
 
Cryptonic said:
I believe the blue-giant star Acheron has a gas torus ring around it?

I am unfamiliar with any star of that name. (And it's an odd name for a star, as it refers to a river in Hades, and the ancients usually didn't put hadean features in the sky) Do you have it's Bayer designation?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
I am unfamiliar with any star of that name. (And it's an odd name for a star, as it refers to a river in Hades, and the ancients usually didn't put hadean features in the sky) Do you have it's Bayer designation?

I apologise, I meant Achernar (Alpha Eridani)! (doh!)

Interesting star.
 

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