Back-in-Action Cassini Doesn’t Disappoint

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Here are a few raw images from the Cassini spacecraft’s most recent flyby of Enceladus. The probe seems to be in good health following several weeks in safe mode, after a bit flipped in the command and data subsystem computer. This prevented the spacecraft from registering and following instructions. But she appears to be humming along just fine now, and snapped this great picture of Enceladus and Dione yesterday (have to quote @lukedones on Twitter: “Dione going in the corner pocket!”) Cassini focused on the Enceladus during a close flyby on November 30, so see more below, including a wonderful shot of a veritable curtain of geyser “spray.”

A good look at the spray from the fissures on Enceladus. NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute
Enceladus, backdropped by Saturn's rings. Credit: NASA/JPL/ Space Science Institute.
Closeup of Enceladus. Credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute.
An even closer closeup of Enceladus. Credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute.

See more raw images at the Cassini website, or the CICLOPS imaging website.

9 Replies to “Back-in-Action Cassini Doesn’t Disappoint”

  1. Wow again, thanks Cassini! The last picture makes me wonder what it would be like to stand on Enceladus’s surface. It almost makes me feel like I’m there. Keep ’em coming Cassini.

  2. The first shot shows just how BIG these geysers are, compared to the curvature of this little world. Wouldn’t it be an amazing sight if you were standing anywhere near them?

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