Talk Abstract:
NASA’s Cassini spacecraft entered orbit around Saturn on July 1, 2004,
having been launched in October 1997. Since then, it has completed
over 290 orbits, executed over 150 satellite flybys and returned
hundreds of thousands of images and spectra of the planet and its
incomparable rings, as well as data on many of its retinue of
60 satellites. The latter include Titan, the only satellite known to have
an atmosphere and lakes on its surface, and Enceladus with its active
plumes of water vapor and ice particles. We will explore a few of these
scientific highlights.
On September 15 of last year, having exhausted its supply of fuel but
otherwise in good condition, Cassini completed its mission with a series of
orbits that passed between the rings and the planet’s cloud tops, followed
by a final plunge into Saturn’s atmosphere. I will summarize what went into
the planning of this final phase of the mission and some of the unique
science that was accomplished during this period. This includes the highest-resolution images and spectra ever obtained of the rings and small satellites
as well as in situ sampling of the ring environment and the planet’s upper atmosphere and the first high-resolution measurements of Saturn’s gravity
and magnetic fields.
The Technological Institute, Room L-211
2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston Campus
Reception immediately following in the EPS Second Floor Atrium
Free & Open to the Public
No Registration or Ticket Needed
Click here for complete details.
