Cosmic Close-Up: Sensational Images Of Saturn Show The Ringed Planet In Incredible Detail

Dail Mail (UK) ^ | April 21, 2009

[Steelfish]

Cosmic close-up: Sensational images of Saturn show the ringed planet in incredible detail

By CHER THORNHILL 21st April 2009

These stunning images of Saturn taken by Nasa's Cassini spacecraft show the ringed planet, its moons and rings in the most incredible detail yet.

Extraordinary glimpses of the planet's atmosphere and surfaces add to our expanding understanding of the sixth planet in the solar system, as the Equinox mission approaches its second year.

The images show the incredible differences within the Saturn system. In one image, serene-looking rings are elegantly stacked up around its equator, making a striking contrast to the cratered appearance of its plethora of moons.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE VIDEO OF HOW CASSINI SCANS THE PLANETS

[waxer1]

Just stunning!!!!!

[SunTzuWu]

Ping! Click the link for some stunning pictures.

[editor-surveyor]

Saturn!

[ml/nj]

This image was taken during Cassini's close approach to the moon Iapetus. It was taken with a wide-angle camera at a distance of approximately 2,400 miles

Gee. That moon must have tectontic plates too! (Geologists are so full of it.)

ML/NJ

[dhs12345]

About a year ago, we were able to see Saturn through our simple home telescope. Exciting!!

At first, I thought the telescope was not focusing properly. Then, I realized that the rings made Saturn look oval. Makes it very real when you are looking at it in driveway of your home.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks editor-surveyor. Off-list topic, but of interest.

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[The KG9 Kid]

Obama apologized for this.

[razorback-bert]

Thanks,bookmark

[Buffalo Head]

Great post! Thank you.

[puppypusher]

Those photos were terrific.What else is there to say.

[B-Chan]

I find these images to be deeply moving. Thank you for posting this.

[21twelve]

My kid’s grade-school had astronomy night last year. Three telescopes set up on the playground. I saw Saturn for the first time through a telescope - could see the actual rings! Ranks up there as one of the more amazing things I’ve ever seen. And like you said - VERY much more real seeing it yourself!

[ADemocratNoMore]

Spectacular!. Thank you.