A close look at Saturn’s rings
Images released by NASA show Saturn’s rings with unprecedented accuracy. Admittedly, the probe has been at a closer distance before, but now it takes photographs in better lighting conditions, so the photographs are definitely of better quality.
The images give scientists a chance to get a closer look at some of theóre unique features of Saturn’s rings. These are the first images sent by the probe, but Cassini is scheduled to make 20 more flybysóin this orbit, so we can expect more pictures of the rings themselves and the moonóIn Saturn.
Photo. NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute
F
ot. NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute
Cassini recently provided us with amazing images of Daphnis, one of the closest and smallest moonsóin Saturn, which you can read about in the text: Daphnis – one of the smallest moonsóIn Saturn captured in the photo. Daphnis has a diameter of eight kilometersów and orbits inside the A ring and the Keeler gap. A photograph taken by the Cassini probe has shown us this small moon of Saturn from as close as ever.
Photo. NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute
Cassini is currently in orbits close to the outer edges of the rings. This is one of the last stagesóin the work of the mission. April 22 will mark the start of the final stage of the Cassini probe dubbed the Grand Finale. The probe will dive into Saturn’s clouds taking a number of measurementsów and sending photographs and data to Earth. It will make 22 orbital flights between the inner edge of the rings and the planet itself. On September 15, Cassini will complete swój life smashing into the surface of Saturn.
