Posted on 12/16/2023 11:07:39 AM PST by MtnClimber
Explanation: Peering from the shadows, the Saturn-facing hemisphere of tantalizing inner moon Enceladus poses in this Cassini spacecraft image. North is up in the dramatic scene captured during November 2016 as Cassini's camera was pointed in a nearly sunward direction about 130,000 kilometers from the moon's bright crescent. In fact, the distant world reflects over 90 percent of the sunlight it receives, giving its surface about the same reflectivity as fresh snow. A mere 500 kilometers in diameter, Enceladus is a surprisingly active moon. Data and images collected during Cassini's flybys have revealed water vapor and ice grains spewing from south polar geysers and evidence of an ocean of liquid water hidden beneath the moon's icy crust.
For more detail go to the link and click on the image for a high definition image. You can then move the magnifying glass cursor then click to zoom in and click again to zoom out. When zoomed in you can scan by moving the side bars on the bottom and right side of the image.
Every time I read or hear a about something involving Cassini, I’m reminded of house pets. Cassini was with us for almost 20 years. It took almost 7 years to get from the Earth to Saturn. Along the way, Cassini used Venus, the Earth, and mighty Jupiter as gravity assists. When Cassini arrived at Saturn, it spent 13 years exploring and discovering so much. Like any house pet, they do not last forever. I can only imagine how the chief scientists feel.
That’s an enchilada dish, not Enceladus...
I prefer tamales anyway.
Maybe there’s a tamale looking nebula in the queue?
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