2021
2024

Quaoar

Yebo Xu

Yebo Xu

Pratt Institute

Pratt Institute

Pratt Institute

Pratt Institute

2021
2024

Quaoar

Yebo Xu

Pratt Institute

Pratt Institute

Pratt Institute

Pratt Institute

2021
2024

Quaoar

Yebo Xu

Pratt Institute

Pratt Institute

Pratt Institute

Pratt Institute

The dwarf planet Quaoar, located in the outer reaches of the solar system, possesses a dreamlike massive ring. In astronomy, there is a concept known as the Roche limit. Planets and moons are drawn closer due to gravitational forces, but there is a minimum safe distance between them that ensures their safety. Once this Roche limit is exceeded, the moon would be torn apart by tidal forces, and the shattered debris of the moon would become stardust, gradually gathering around the planet and evolving into a ring that "embraces" the planet. The interpretation of this phenomenon is "Even if I'm shattered to pieces, I still want to embrace you."

Quaoar