A new study suggests that Saturn’s rings may be nearly as old as the planet itself, around 4.5 billion years, rather than being only 100 to 400 million years old, as previously believed.

While earlier research suggested the rings were young due to their clean appearance, new simulations of micrometeoroid impacts indicate minimal contamination of the rings, suggesting they are much older.

The study’s authors propose that the rings formed during the chaotic period of the solar system’s early history, possibly around the time of the Late Heavy Bombardment, Space.com has reported.

Their findings suggest that Saturn’s rings are as ancient as the planet and could have formed shortly after its birth.

Written by B.C. Begley