The F ring is notable because of its state of constant change. The ring undergoes reconstruction so frequently that astronomers hope to learn something of how the solar system might have been created from it.

“Saturn’s F ring is perhaps the most unusual and dynamic ring in the solar system; it has multiple structures with features changing on a variety of timescales from hours to years,” explains Professor Carl Murray of the Queen Mary University of London who led the analytical team on the F ring data.

Some of the features they noticed in Cassinis images are being referred to as “jets” and “fans.” Both are thought to be caused by objects colliding with the F ring's core. The “jets” appear to be caused by objects of a large diameter, such as the ~5km S/2004 S 6, which was discovered by Cassini in 2004. “Fans” on the other hand are thought to be caused by objects of less than one kilometer in diameter.

The moonlets colliding with other pieces of the F ring cause the objects to scatter in unique ways due to the influence of their gravity as well as outside influences. The moon Prometheus also effects the F ring, acting as sort of shepherd to keep things from getting too unruly.

Scientists are extremely pleased with the results of Cassini's image gathering, as it helps give them a bit more insight into the formation of the entire solar system. “This incredibly successful mission has taught us a great deal about the solar system and the processes at work in it,” said Professor Keith Mason, CEO of the Science and Technology Facilities Council.

“Understanding how small objects move within the dust rings around Saturn gives an insight into the processes that drive planetary formation, where the proto-planet collects material in its orbit through a dust plane and carves out similar grooves and tracks.”