<p>We think, more or less, that our Moon was formed from an accretion disk caused by a Mars-sized impactor. Cool. </p>

<p>Tidal forces can break apart a moon, causing rings. </p>

<p>Ashes to ashes, dust to dust: the moon came from an orbiting debris disk and may return to an orbiting debris disk someday.</p>

<p><strong>What determines whether an accretion disk or ring system will form moons vs. remain as stable rings?</strong> </p>

<the-moon><planetary-formation><planetary-ring><orbital-mechanics><accretion-discs>
What stabilizes rings or accretion disks?
jvriesem
# What stabilizes rings or accretion disks?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2017-03-23)

We think, more or less, that our Moon was formed from an accretion disk caused by a Mars-sized impactor. Cool.

Tidal forces can break apart a moon, causing rings.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust: the moon came from an orbiting debris disk and may return to an orbiting debris disk someday.

**What determines whether an accretion disk or ring system will form moons vs. remain as stable rings?**

**Tags:** the-moon, planetary-formation, planetary-ring, orbital-mechanics, accretion-discs

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