Saturn


Image obtained by the Cassini-Huygens spacecraft of Saturn. The gas planet's subtle northward gradation from gold to azure is a striking visual effect that scientists don't fully understand. Current thinking says that it may be related to seasonal influences, tied to the cold temperatures in the northern (winter) hemisphere. Despite Cassini's revelations, Saturn remains a world of mystery. Images taken with blue, green and red spectral filters were used to create this color view, which approximates the scene as it would appear to the human eye. The view was brightened to enhance detail visible in the rings and within their shadows. The Cassini-Huygens mission is a cooperative project of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency.


Size: 3000px × 3012px
Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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