Posts tagged with ‘cassini’

Check out this stunning photo of a backlit Saturn, taken by the Cassini probe

On Oct. 17, 2012, during its 174th orbit around the gas giant, Cassini was deliberately positioned within Saturn’s shadow, a perfect location from which to look in the direction of the sun and take a backlit view of the rings and the dark side of the planet. Looking back towards the sun is a geometry referred to by planetary scientists as “high solar phase;” near the center of your target’s shadow is the highest phase possible. This is a very scientifically advantageous and coveted viewing position, as it can reveal details about both the rings and atmosphere that cannot be seen in lower solar phase.

Via

Crazy image of the gigantic swirling vortex over Saturn’s north pole

Being a gas giant, Saturn is full of storms. But the most impressive of all is the massive raging vortex at Saturn’s north pole. Taken from NASA’s Cassini probe.

More photos here