Nasa satellite brushes Saturn's atmosphere
Spacecraft completes first ultra-close dive near planet as end of its mission approaches
Nasa's Cassini spacecraft skimmed Saturn's atmosphere for the first time today, hovering 1,000 miles above its clouds.
The swing-by, the first of five planned ultra-close passes, is part of the exploration of the space between the planet and its rings. By dipping down far enough to skim Saturn's atmosphere, scientists hope samples of collected gases will reveal more about the materials that comprise the planet's interior, the BBC reports.
The closest approach will bring the spacecraft 1,010-1,060 miles above the cloud tops, the Daily Mail says.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Cassini, a joint venture between US, European and Italian space agencies, was launched from Florida's Cape Canaveral in 1997.
It has since amassed "a remarkable list of achievements", says Nasa, including the discovery of habitable environments on two of Saturn's moons, Enceladus and Titan.
Three of Saturn's moons - Tethys, Enceladus, and Mimas - are captured in this shot by Cassini
Cassini captures Saturn's rings and planet Earth in the same frame
The spacecraft's data-gathering days are numbered because its fuel is running out, however, so NASA's plan is to set it on a one-way mission into Saturn's atmosphere on 15 September to dispose of the spacecraft in the planet's upper atmosphere.
The dramatic grande finale will see Cassini "burn up like a meteor and become part of the planet itself," ABC News reports.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Last hopes for justice for UK's nuclear test veterans
Under the Radar Thousands of ex-service personnel say their lives have been blighted by aggressive cancers and genetic mutations
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
'It may not be surprising that creative work is used without permission'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
5 simple items to help make your airplane seat more comfortable
The Week Recommends Gel cushions and inflatable travel pillows make a world of difference
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published