Ice Giants – The Return of the RingsA Science White Paper for the Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey 2023-2032

2020 
Here we highlight recent advances in our knowledge about Saturn's ring system and bring forward the outstanding science issues that could be addressed by studying the ring systems of the ice giants. We focus on interactions between planetary rings and other elements in the system, including the moons, host planet, and its magnetosphere, and conclude that ring science investigations, in accordance with magnetospheric and atmospheric science disciplines, are essential in advancing our knowledge of solar system evolution, the origin and evolution of the moons and Ocean Worlds, as well as contemporary phenomena observed in the ice giant systems. We request that the study of ice giant ring systems to be considered a top priority for all future ice giant explorations.
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