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Because the planet's axis is tilted 97 degrees, the equator runs roughly vertically comparered to the plane of the solar system, just like the rings. Basically
by stetrain 8y ago
Because the planet's axis is tilted 97 degrees, the equator runs roughly vertically comparered to the plane of the solar system, just like the rings. Basically it's like a "normal" planet with "normal" rings and rotation but the whole thing turned on its side, rotation, equator, rings, and all.
The equatorial plane is based on the rotation of the planet, not the relationship to the sun.
- Symmetry 8y agoBut the planet was turned on its side by a collision, right? How would the collision have also altered the rotation of whatever moon wandered past to Roche limit to later became the ring?
- scrumper 8y agoPerhaps the ring is the remains of the impactor. It struck Uranus (when the planet was rotating 'normally') on a trajectory aligned with Uranus's current, post impact, equatorial plane. Hence, the ring and the equatorial plane are similarly aligned.