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Artwork of shepherd moons in Saturns ring plane
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Artwork of shepherd moons in Saturns ring plane
Artists impression of shepherd moons in Saturns ring plane. The rings of Saturn are in reality thousands of concentric rings, like grooves on a gramophone record. They are made of billions of ice & rock particles ranging from a few centimetres to hundreds of metres across. Within the rings are larger rocks, small moonlets known as " shepherd" moons because their gravity & motion maintain the concentric nature of the ring system. Without these " shepherds", Saturns rings would have lost their form millions of years ago. The shepherd moons were one of the discoveries of the Voyager spacecraft mission
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6445697
© JULIAN BAUM/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
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This print showcases an extraordinary artwork of shepherd moons gracefully navigating Saturn's ring plane. The rings, resembling the grooves on a vintage gramophone record, are composed of countless ice and rock particles ranging in size from centimeters to hundreds of meters. However, hidden within this celestial tapestry lie larger rocks and small moonlets known as "shepherd" moons. These shepherd moons play a crucial role in maintaining the concentric structure of Saturn's magnificent ring system. Their gravitational force and precise motion ensure that the rings retain their shape over millions of years. Without these diligent guardians, the once-immaculate rings would have lost their form long ago. The discovery of these shepherd moons was made possible by the Voyager spacecraft mission—an endeavor that expanded our understanding of distant worlds and unlocked secrets about Saturn's cosmic wonders. In this artist's impression captured by Science Photo Library, we witness a mesmerizing interpretation showcasing the delicate dance between these enigmatic shepherds and Saturn's resplendent rings. This image serves as a testament to humanity's insatiable curiosity about our universe—where science meets art to inspire awe-inspiring contemplation.
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