NASA’s Cassini orbiter snaps unbelievable picture of Saturn

[AsahinaKimi]

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/FInpgLett5qDhpU9OmIGSg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/

Science fiction movies have spoiled us on high definition views of our planetary neighbors, but real-life photographs with equal jaw-dropping potential are exceedingly rare. That's what makes NASA's awe-inspiring snapshot of Saturn (hi-res version here) such a stunning piece of eye candy.

Taken by NASA's Cassini robotic orbiter, the shot was captured from the dark side of Saturn as the Sun's bright rays illuminated every piece of dust and debris circling the planet. Cassini has offered astronomers a never-before-seen look at Saturn and revealed more information about the planet than any craft before it. The craft has taken so many pictures of the ringed wonder that they were recently made into a short flyby film that looks like it was created by George Lucas rather than a robotic space explorer.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/technology-blog/nasa-cassini-orbiter-snaps-unbelievable-picture-saturn-144133480.html

stunning is a word and a half word...

[secondwind]

1. breathtaking........

[mfcorey1]

2. Stunningly beautiful!

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

3. Well, I just found my new desktop image for work

Be sure to check out the video of the flyby contained in the link. great stuff

[Name removed]

4. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[pintobean]

5. K&R. I posted this yesterday. It's awesome.

It's been around for years, but this story was the first time I've seen it. Here's the high resolution version, for those who want to save it.

[AsahinaKimi]

6. That would certainly make a lovely

desk top image. Thanks, keeping it!

[Warren DeMontague]

7. Love that shot.

What many people don't realize is that the past 3 decades have actually been full of more discovery than any time in human history previously. We've learned 100X more about the solar system and nearby star systems in the last half of my life than we knew previously.

[Xithras]

8. FAKE!

No, seriously. That image was digitally enhanced by NASA to bring out some detail ;)

Here's the original:



FWIW, I love this photo. It's been the wallpaper on one of my computers for years!

[AsahinaKimi]

9. But even the original looks good.

Because they enhanced the lighting a little, doesn't necessarily make it "FAKE!". Famous celebs use make up to enhance their looks. Products on TV are given a bit of exaggeration... there are not many things in this world that isn't enhanced a little. Screaming "FAKE!"...to everything makes this world a bit more ugly, don't you think? NO WE HAVE TO HAVE THE TRUTH! If Angelina Jolie has a zit "WE WANTA SEE IT!"... please.

[Xithras]

11. I guess I should have been more implicit with my "I'm kidding"

I thought the winky smiley said it for me. Guess not. :dunce:

I was actually making FUN of the idiots who yell FAKE on every interesting photo on the Internet. As I said in my post, I LOVE this photo, and it's been my desktop wallpaper for years.

[AsahinaKimi]

12. oh! I didn't mean to sound

like I was angry or mean.. but I think sometimes on DU, you hear "THATS FAKE!!" too many times, and one can get a little tired of the constant cynicism and it seems no one seems to find the good in anything. I love both photos..and either one would be a great desk top image. Anyway, please pardon my posting.. It was not meant to be mean spirited. I am glad people like it.. and I am sure, its been a stressful week for everyone here. Too many frayed nerves!

[marasinghe]

10. thanks for posting this, Kimi.

specially since - the need these days to turn our attention beyond the atmosphere, for a measure of tranquility.

:thumbsup:

[AsahinaKimi]

13. oh! Now you reminded me of something..

There used to be a short program on the radio called..Star Watch or something..I forget the actual name.. but it was sponsored by the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles and they always ended their little short program with something like.. "keep your eyes to the skies".. I wish I could remember it now.. I don't recall what year it had been broadcasting..but it was awesome to listen to.