|
Picture of the day - March 19, 2009
Four of Saturn's moons in transit
Photo courtesy of
NASA.
(Click on the photo for a larger view)
Unlike our Earth, some of the other planets in our solar system (and
without a doubt countless others located elsewhere) have more than
one moon revolving around them. Take Saturn for instance, the
stunningly beautiful ringed gas giant that has held stargazers
spellbound for centuries.
To date astronomers have discovered several dozen moons revolving
around Saturn, of which 52 have actually been named. Today's picture
features four of Saturn's moons in transit, an event that
takes place whenever a moon lies between the sun and its host
planet. From left to right in the image, the "dots" are Enceladus
followed by its shadow, Dione and its shadow, and Saturn's largest
moon Titan. Small moon Mimas is on the far right edge just above the
ring. Due to the angle of the sun's rays (from left to right in the
picture), the shadows of Titan and
Mimas have both moved off the right side of Saturn's disk.
Visitor Comments...
Name: Phyllis Helton
Town: Bristol, VA
Amazing.
Name: Shawn Jacobs
Town: Chillicothe, OH
What a fantastic image you have featured today Mr. Rouse. I just
love visiting this great site every day. Great job!
Name: Norman Latham
Town: Little Rock, AR
The wonders of technology. Just imagine sitting here on planet earth
and looking at such a marvelous "close-up" of another planet.
Absolutely amazing picture today.
Name: Jayde Tillotson
Town: Mesa, AZ
Thanks for pointing out that the dark spots are shadows from the
moons. I would never have figured that out. This truly is an awesome
picture.
|
Comment on today's picture
|
View
previous "Pictures Of The Day" |
Submit a
photo
Why I publish the "Picture Of The Day"
|
|
