Alain wrote:

> Normaly, when you have binary systems like that, you expect the two to 
> have parallel axis. After all, they where formed at the same time, from 


True, but the alignment wouldn't be exact as they get pummeled by
collisions in the early stages and there are also other effects such
as precession.

> They would very probably be tidaly locked as such a close proximity.

Yes. Interesting point, I never thought about whether tidal locking
changes the axis of rotation in addition to just slowing it down.

> Looking at the rings, they are not perfectly edge on to the sun, just a 
> few day before or after the equinox. 

You're right.

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