Radio imaging reveals details in Saturn's rings

July 7, 2005
The Cassini spacecraft, a joint venture between NASA and the European and Italian Space Agencies, positioned itself on the far side of Saturn's rings and beamed radio signals at 0.94 (Ka-band), 3.6 (X-band), and 13-cm (S-band) toward Earth.

The signals were received and deciphered to reveal a distribution profile of ring material. Red, for example, represents regions with particles larger than 2 in. in diameter. Green and blue shades indicate regions where particles are smaller than 2 in. and 0.33 in, respectively. NASA scientists note that the Keeler Gap, the faint black ring near the outer edge, is filled with shades of blue. They theorize that frequent collisions between larger particles in this active region fragment them into more numerous smaller ones.

Sponsored Recommendations

High Pressue, High Temperature Pump

April 29, 2024
This innovative axial piston design eliminates the use of elastomers, increases resistance to contamination, and dramatically improves reliability. They can generate up to 10,...

MOVI-C Unleashed: Your One-Stop Shop for Automation Tasks

April 17, 2024
Discover the versatility of SEW-EURODRIVE's MOVI-C modular automation system, designed to streamline motion control challenges across diverse applications.

A Comprehensive Guide for Automation Success

April 17, 2024
Gain insight into the benefits that SEW-EURODRIVE's streamlined automation processes offer to industries involved in machine automation and factory operations.

Navigating the World of Gearmotors and Electronic Drives

April 17, 2024
Selecting a gearmotor doesn’t have to be a traumatic experience. The key to success lies in asking a logical sequence of thoughtful questions.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!