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
|
|
Roscosmos replaces cosmonaut on next Crew Dragon mission to ISS
Posted: Sat, Dec 6 9:45 AM ET (1445 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Monday, December 22
The SpaceX IPO, space-based AI and dreams of Mars
The Hill — 7:30 am ET (1230 GMT) Korean SpaceX-linked Stocks Surge Ahead of $1.5T IPO
Chosun Ilbo — 7:28 am ET (1228 GMT) How a rocket launch in 2015 shook up space exploration
The National (UAE) — 7:28 am ET (1228 GMT) Airspace approved for Isles spaceport
We Love Stornoway — 7:26 am ET (1226 GMT) Japan's 8th H3 rocket launch fails
NHK — 7:23 am ET (1223 GMT) |
