Cassini reveals compositional differences in Saturn's rings
Posted: Thu, Jul 8, 2004, 7:56 AM ET (1156 GMT)
Spectroscopic data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft has shown that the composition of Saturn's extensive ring system is not uniform but varies from region to region. Scientists at the University of Colorado reported Wednesday that while water ice is the dominant constituent in the rings, the amount of water varies, increasing in the outer rings. Cassini has also detected possible silicate and organic materials in the ring that one scientist described as "mud". The results support models that use the breakup of a large icy object to explain the formation of the planet's rings.
Spectroscopic data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft has shown that the composition of Saturn's extensive ring system is not uniform but varies from region to region. Scientists at the University of Colorado reported Wednesday that while water ice is the dominant constituent in the rings, the amount of water varies, increasing in the outer rings. Cassini has also detected possible silicate and organic materials in the ring that one scientist described as "mud". The results support models that use the breakup of a large icy object to explain the formation of the planet's rings.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Pentagon dismisses $1.2 trillion cost estimate for Golden Dome
Posted: Sat, May 16 9:36 AM ET (1336 GMT) Cowboy Space proposes 20,000 satellite orbital data center constellation
Posted: Sat, May 16 9:33 AM ET (1333 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Thursday, May 21
A Look Back at Hubble’s Most Breathtaking Images
Nautilus — 5:33 am ET (0933 GMT) Greenlight for next two ESA Scout missions
ESA — 5:33 am ET (0933 GMT) The SpaceX S-1 filing is packed with eye-popping deadlines. Here are the most important ones.
Business Insider — 5:31 am ET (0931 GMT) Germany touts pan-German space command amid European push to supplant US tech
Defense News — 5:30 am ET (0930 GMT) Acquisition reform ‘necessary’ but ‘not sufficient,’ U.S. Space Force official says
Aerospace America — 5:29 am ET (0929 GMT) |
