Crossing The Ring Plane . ... Credit Copyright: NASA, Hubble Space Telescope Explanation: "I do not know what to say in a case so surprising, so unlooked for and so novel." announced Galileo when Saturn's rings appeared to vanish in 1612. In fact, every 15 years Saturn's rings seem to almost disappear as viewed from the Earth. This happens just as the orbiting Earth crosses the plane of Saturn's rings. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...