Part 9/11:
The F Ring, one of Saturn’s most dynamic structures, is held tightly in place by two small shepherd moons: Prometheus and Pandora. Prometheus, located just inside the ring, and Pandora, orbiting outside, exert gravitational forces that help confine the ring’s narrow band. These moons are known to sometimes perturb the ring material, even stealing particles when they venture too close, creating a constantly changing appearance.
Pandora, slightly smaller at 81 km in diameter, and Prometheus, with a comparable size, actively influence the ring’s shape and density, showcasing the gravitational ballet that keeps this structure so precisely defined.