in astronomy, the minimum distance to which a large satellite can approach its primary body without being torn apart by tidal forces. If satellite and primary are of similar composition, the theoretical limit is about 2 1/2 times the radius of the larger body. The rings of Saturn lie inside Saturn's Roche limit and may be the debris of a demolished moon. The limit was first calculated by the French astronomer douard Roche (182083). Artificial satellites are too small to develop substantial tidal stresses.
ROCHE LIMIT
Meaning of ROCHE LIMIT in English
Britannica English vocabulary. Английский словарь Британика. 2012