The Cassini probe has been hanging around Saturn since 2004, and has given scientists an unprecedented view of the ringed planet and its moons. One of the more interesting of Saturn’s natural satellites is Enceladus, which is known to not only have an icy crust, but to periodically shoot geysers of water vapor, ice, and tantalizingly organic compounds. Cassini has sampled this spray before, and did again three days ago. While the analysis of the spray is probably some time away, we can enjoy these spectacular photos of Enceladus and the moon Tethys. See them, after the break.
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No. 1 | Enceladus
Cassini makes its approach to Saturn's moon Enceladus, seen here from about 75,066 miles away.
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No. 2 | Enceladus Geysers
One of the unique features of Enceladus are geysers of ice and water vapor that shoot from its surface. Cassini has sampled this vapor before, and did so again on this flyby.
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No. 3 | Surface of Enceladus
This photo was taken by Cassini from a mere 46 miles above the surface of Enceladus. Though the image is slightly blurred by the speed of the spacecraft, individual boulders atop ridges are clearly visible.
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No. 4 | Tethys
Saturn's moon Tethys as seen from about 115,714 miles away. This moon is notable for having numerous craters, including the Melanthius crater on the bottom left of the image. The bars on the right side of the image are likely a result of this being a raw, unprocessed image.
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