Cassini Celebrates A Decade Of Amazing Saturn Images

Media Platforms Design TeamImages via NASA.Since it reached the orbit of Saturn 10 years ago today, the Cassini spacecraft has captured mind-blowing images and collected invaluable data about the ringed planet and its multitude of moons. Launched from Earth in 1997, the probe was originally approved for a four-year mission, but that mission has now been extended three times. Good thing, too. With so much time spent in orbit of the sixth planet, Cassini has studied not only the gorgeous gas giant but also moons such as Titan, with its great hydrocarbon lakes, and Enceladus, with its jets of ice.Media Platforms Design TeamThe deep wrinkles of Enceladus.It’s worth scrolling through the archive of imagery from the mission. But for those who don’t have an afternoon to lost to amazing space photos, NASA has selected a collection of the best of Cassini for its anniversary. See them all here.Media Platforms Design TeamSaturn’s rings in ultraviolet light.Media Platforms Design TeamTaken on July 19, 2013, as Cassini slipped into Saturn’s shadow.Media Platforms Design Team3D imaging of cryovolcanic features on Titan.