I’m still pulling from Cassini’s Grand Finale mission. Is it at all strange that I’m so sad about this? I don’t want to say I feel like I’ve built some kind of bond or something with Cassini. It’s just that Saturn’s always been my favorite planet, and for as long as I’ve been interested, Cassini’s been our window to it.
And now, Cassini’s incredible life is coming to an end. And I’m sad about that.
But anyways…
Cassini shot this amazing, extremely sharp image of some features in Saturn’s A ring called propeller belts. As always, click on the image for the tiff download…
Also, I’m putting this one below the fold…
This view from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft is the sharpest ever taken of belts of the features called propellers in the middle part of Saturn’s A ring.
Reminder that this series is open for submissions. While I am highlighting the Grand Finale for now, I will need more pictures, videos, etc when the Grand Finale is complete.
Not strange at all and your’e not alone here. (Raises hand.)
Cassini has delivered me huge does of some of my favourite emotions -- wonder and awe and joy. Joy in knowledge , joy in jaw-dropping beauty. Joy in marvelling at both what it has seen and how it has seen it.
Also, any new mission to Saturn (or any other part of the outer solar system) seems so far away and barring technological advances -- and the will to fund and invest in same -- its going to be an awfully long time before we see Cassini‘s likes again so yes. I feel sad to know Cassini going to end -albeit end so beautifully and aptly -- soon too. And so grateful for all the Cassini team has delivered us, thankyou to all who built, designed and got her to fly.
I’m guessing you’ve already seen the Bad Astronomer’s piece here?
http://www.blastr.com/2017-5-10/my-god-its-full-propellers
But in case not,well, see link above.