Despina, Moon of Neptune
Credit: NASA, JPL, Ted Stryk
Posted on 09/03/2009 5:32:23 AM PDT by sig226
Explanation: Despina is a tiny moon of Neptune. A mere 148 kilometers across, diminutive Despina was discovered in 1989, in images from the Voyager 2 spacecraft taken during its encounter with the solar system's most distant gas giant planet. But looking through the Voyager 2 data 20 years later, amateur image processor (and philosophy professor) Ted Stryk discovered something no one had recognized before -- images that show the shadow of Despina in transit across Neptune's blue cloud tops. His composite view of Despina and its shadow is composed of four archival frames taken on August 24, 1989, separated by nine minutes. Despina itself has been artificially brightened to make it easier to see. In ancient Greek mythology, Despina is a daughter of Poseidon (the Roman god Neptune).
Neptune is our forgotten planet.
WOW!
it’s a space station!
Cute little mini moon. Wish I could add it to my mini collection, but 148 km is a bit too big for the box. Sigh...
If it makes you fell any better, the Astronomy Picture of the Day officially declares Despina to be the property of TheOldLady.
This will be registered in book form at the U.S. Copyright Office.
Thank you for the lovely gift. I’ll treasure it always. ♥
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