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Saturn's Portrait
The Cassini spacecraft captured a series of images that have been composed into the most detailed, global natural color view of Saturn and its rings. The images were taken over the course of two hours on Oct. 6, 2004, while Cassini was approximately 6.3 million kilometers (3.9 million miles) from Saturn. Three images (red, green and blue) were taken of each of 42 locations, or "footprints," across the planet. The full color footprints were put together to produce a mosaic. Many of Saturn's splendid features noted previously in single frames taken by Cassini are visible in this all-encompassing view. Subtle color variations are seen across the rings. You can also spot the thread-like F ring and ring shadows cast against the blue northern hemisphere. The tiny moons Mimas and Janus are both faintly visible at the lower left. The Cassini spacecraft left Earth in 1997 and entered Saturn's orbit in July 2005. Scientists hope to keep Cassini orbiting Saturn for at least four years. Image Credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute Download Wallpaper: 800 x 600 | 1024 x 768 Return to galleries: Earth | Solar System | Stars & Galaxies | Spaceflight & Spacecraft
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