Roche Limit Calculator
Calculate the critical distance at which a satellite would be torn apart by tidal forces.
km
kg/m³
kg/m³
Result
18.372,61 km
Roche limit: 18.372,61 km
Result in all units
Step-by-step solution
d = 2,44·R·(ρM/ρm)^⅓
What Is the Roche Limit?
The Roche limit is the smallest distance at which a satellite can approach its planet without tidal forces tearing it apart. It explains how rings form.
How is it calculated?
How Is It Calculated?
d ≈ R × (2 × ρ_planet ÷ ρ_satellite)^(1/3)
R: planet radius, ρ: density.
- Enter the planet's radius and the densities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Saturn's rings related to the Roche limit?
Yes; bodies that break apart within the Roche limit cannot come together again and remain in the form of rings.