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False-color image of Saturns rings
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False-color image of Saturns rings
This false-color image of Saturns main rings was made by combining data from multiple star occultations using Cassinis ultraviolet imaging spectrograph. An occultation occurs when one celestial body passes in front of another, thus hiding the other from view. During occultations, scientists observe the brightness of a star as the rings pass in front of it. This provides a measurement of the amount of ring material between the spacecraft and the star. Cassini has given scientists the most detailed view yet of Saturns densely packed B ring, which is densely packed with clumps, called self-gravity wakes, separated by nearly empty gaps. These clumps in Saturns B ring are neatly organized and constantly colliding, which surprised scientists. The clumps in Saturns B ring, 30 to 50 meters (100 to 160 feet) across, are too small to be seen directly. However, scientists can map the distribution, shape and orientation of the clumps. Colors in this image indicate the orientation of clumps, and brightness indicates the density of ring particles. The formation of wakes is strongest in the bluer regions, where ring particles clump together in tilted wakes. Particles in the central yellow regions are too densely packed for any starlight to pass through it. The ultraviolet imaging spectrograph measured the flickering of the star Alpha Arae as it passed by the rings November 9 and 10, 2006
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This false-color image showcases the mesmerizing beauty and intricate structure of Saturn's majestic rings. Created by combining data from multiple star occultations using Cassini's ultraviolet imaging spectrograph, this print offers a unique perspective on the composition and density of the ring system. During these celestial events, scientists carefully observed the brightness of a star as Saturn's rings passed in front of it, allowing them to measure the amount of ring material between the spacecraft and the star. The result is a detailed view of Saturn's densely packed B ring, revealing an unexpected phenomenon known as self-gravity wakes. The clumps within Saturn's B ring, which are too small to be seen directly, are neatly organized and constantly colliding. This revelation surprised scientists who now have a better understanding of how particles interact within this region. The colors in this image indicate the orientation of these clumps while brightness represents particle density. Notably, the bluer regions demonstrate stronger wake formations where particles gather together in tilted wakes. In contrast, central yellow regions appear dense enough for no starlight to pass through them. This remarkable photograph was captured by Stocktrek Images' ultraviolet imaging spectrograph during November 9th and 10th in 2006 when observing Alpha Arae passing by Saturn's enigmatic rings. It serves as a testament to humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge about our vast universe.
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