NASA Saturn Mission Prepares for 'Ring-Grazing Orbits'
6 years 9 months ago #9286
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Grand Finale Orbit #13
During this orbit, Cassini’s Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) observes the lit side of the middle A-ring to determine its composition and structure. The CIRS instrument then targets the point where Saturn’s shadow falls across the B-ring, studying how the ring’s temperature changes as it crosses into Saturn’s shadow. These CIRS observations reveal details about the structure of the ring particles themselves, which are too small for Cassini's cameras to resolve.
Cassini’s imaging cameras, the Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS), observes some of Saturn’s known ring propeller features. The ISS also performs a high-resolution scan of Saturn’s C ring and inner B ring
With Cassini about 31,100 miles (50,000 kilometers) from Saturn's lower atmosphere, the Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer (INMS) samples the exosphere and ionosphere of Saturn and of the atmosphere-ionosphere of Saturn’s rings. On a later orbit (Orbit 288), the INMS will sample Saturn’s visible, much denser atmosphere for the first time.
During this orbit, Cassini gets within 1,780 miles (2,860 kilometers) of Saturn’s 1-bar level. Cassini also passes within 3,020 miles (4,850 kilometers) of the inner edge of Saturn’s D ring.
During this orbit, Cassini’s Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) observes the lit side of the middle A-ring to determine its composition and structure. The CIRS instrument then targets the point where Saturn’s shadow falls across the B-ring, studying how the ring’s temperature changes as it crosses into Saturn’s shadow. These CIRS observations reveal details about the structure of the ring particles themselves, which are too small for Cassini's cameras to resolve.
Cassini’s imaging cameras, the Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS), observes some of Saturn’s known ring propeller features. The ISS also performs a high-resolution scan of Saturn’s C ring and inner B ring
With Cassini about 31,100 miles (50,000 kilometers) from Saturn's lower atmosphere, the Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer (INMS) samples the exosphere and ionosphere of Saturn and of the atmosphere-ionosphere of Saturn’s rings. On a later orbit (Orbit 288), the INMS will sample Saturn’s visible, much denser atmosphere for the first time.
During this orbit, Cassini gets within 1,780 miles (2,860 kilometers) of Saturn’s 1-bar level. Cassini also passes within 3,020 miles (4,850 kilometers) of the inner edge of Saturn’s D ring.
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6 years 9 months ago #9314
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Replied by ?? on topic NASA Saturn Mission Prepares for 'Ring-Grazing Orbits'
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6 years 9 months ago #9315
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Grand Finale Orbit #14
Orbit 284 - July 16 - July 22
During this orbit, Cassini’s Radio Science Subsystem (RSS) performs its last science observations of the mission. The instrument conducts radio occultations of Saturn’s ring system and runs a gravity experiment to characterize Saturn's gravitational field with unprecedented detail. RSS determines Saturn's gravity by very precisely tracking the orbit of Cassini relative to the Earth as the spacecraft skims Saturn’s atmosphere. By measuring the Doppler shift in Cassini’s radio signal, scientists can learn how mass is distributed within Saturn. In addition, Cassini simultaneously feels the gravitational pull of the rings (the B-Ring, in particular) and determines their mass very accurately. The mass helps scientists determine the age of the ring system.
When Cassini is in the segment of this orbit in which it’s nearest to Saturn, the spacecraft rolls so that the Magnetometer (MAG) can collect unique measurements that will lead to a better understanding of Saturn’s magnetic field, the planet’s rotation rate, the size of the central core and other characteristics of Saturn.
Then the Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) leads an observation of Saturn’s southern hemisphere at night.
During this orbit, Cassini gets within 1,740 miles (2,790 kilometers) of Saturn’s 1-bar level. Cassini also passes within 3,050 miles (4910 kilometers) of the inner edge of Saturn’s D ring.
Orbit 284 - July 16 - July 22
During this orbit, Cassini’s Radio Science Subsystem (RSS) performs its last science observations of the mission. The instrument conducts radio occultations of Saturn’s ring system and runs a gravity experiment to characterize Saturn's gravitational field with unprecedented detail. RSS determines Saturn's gravity by very precisely tracking the orbit of Cassini relative to the Earth as the spacecraft skims Saturn’s atmosphere. By measuring the Doppler shift in Cassini’s radio signal, scientists can learn how mass is distributed within Saturn. In addition, Cassini simultaneously feels the gravitational pull of the rings (the B-Ring, in particular) and determines their mass very accurately. The mass helps scientists determine the age of the ring system.
When Cassini is in the segment of this orbit in which it’s nearest to Saturn, the spacecraft rolls so that the Magnetometer (MAG) can collect unique measurements that will lead to a better understanding of Saturn’s magnetic field, the planet’s rotation rate, the size of the central core and other characteristics of Saturn.
Then the Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) leads an observation of Saturn’s southern hemisphere at night.
During this orbit, Cassini gets within 1,740 miles (2,790 kilometers) of Saturn’s 1-bar level. Cassini also passes within 3,050 miles (4910 kilometers) of the inner edge of Saturn’s D ring.
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6 years 9 months ago #9385
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Replied by ?? on topic NASA Saturn Mission Prepares for 'Ring-Grazing Orbits'
Grand Finale Orbit #15
Orbit 285 - July 22 - July 29
During this orbit Cassini’s imaging cameras, the Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS), takes priority to observe Saturn’s moon Titan for two periods, each lasting several hours, to image the moon’s atmosphere and surface, in particular to watch Titan’s clouds form and change. The spacecraft’s Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) and Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) observe Titan as well.
The Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) observes swaths of both Saturn’s northern and southern auroral zones, with the north in sunlight while the south is in darkness.
During this orbit, the spacecraft rolls to calibrate Cassini’s magnetometer (MAG) for its high-intensity magnetic field observations to be performed when the spacecraft is nearest Saturn.
Cassini’s Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) instrument is active during the MAG rolls to capture “whistlers” produced by Saturn lightning.
During this orbit, Cassini gets within 1,750 miles (2,810 kilometers) of Saturn’s 1-bar level. Cassini also passes within 3,040 miles (4,890 kilometers) of the inner edge of Saturn’s D ring.
Orbit 285 - July 22 - July 29
During this orbit Cassini’s imaging cameras, the Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS), takes priority to observe Saturn’s moon Titan for two periods, each lasting several hours, to image the moon’s atmosphere and surface, in particular to watch Titan’s clouds form and change. The spacecraft’s Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) and Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) observe Titan as well.
The Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) observes swaths of both Saturn’s northern and southern auroral zones, with the north in sunlight while the south is in darkness.
During this orbit, the spacecraft rolls to calibrate Cassini’s magnetometer (MAG) for its high-intensity magnetic field observations to be performed when the spacecraft is nearest Saturn.
Cassini’s Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) instrument is active during the MAG rolls to capture “whistlers” produced by Saturn lightning.
During this orbit, Cassini gets within 1,750 miles (2,810 kilometers) of Saturn’s 1-bar level. Cassini also passes within 3,040 miles (4,890 kilometers) of the inner edge of Saturn’s D ring.
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6 years 9 months ago #9395
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6 years 9 months ago #9458
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Grand Finale Orbit #16
Orbit 286 - July 29 - August 4
During this orbit, Cassini’s Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) makes a long observation of Saturn’s northern aurora at an unusually close range, producing some of the highest-resolution auroral images of the entire mission.
Cassini’s Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) observes Saturn’s aurora during this orbit as well. This observation is the closest and highest-resolution auroral observation VIMS makes during Cassini’s entire mission.
The spacecraft’s Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) observes the south polar region of Saturn’s moon Enceladus during this orbit, studying winter temperatures on the moon’s surface. This is the instrument’s last opportunity of the mission to study the temperatures on Enceladus, to help researchers understand how they change over time.
During this orbit, Cassini gets within 1,820 miles (2,920 kilometers) of Saturn’s 1-bar level. Cassini also passes within 2,980 miles (4,790 kilometers) of the inner edge of Saturn’s D ring.
Orbit 286 - July 29 - August 4
During this orbit, Cassini’s Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) makes a long observation of Saturn’s northern aurora at an unusually close range, producing some of the highest-resolution auroral images of the entire mission.
Cassini’s Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) observes Saturn’s aurora during this orbit as well. This observation is the closest and highest-resolution auroral observation VIMS makes during Cassini’s entire mission.
The spacecraft’s Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) observes the south polar region of Saturn’s moon Enceladus during this orbit, studying winter temperatures on the moon’s surface. This is the instrument’s last opportunity of the mission to study the temperatures on Enceladus, to help researchers understand how they change over time.
During this orbit, Cassini gets within 1,820 miles (2,920 kilometers) of Saturn’s 1-bar level. Cassini also passes within 2,980 miles (4,790 kilometers) of the inner edge of Saturn’s D ring.
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Thank you to everyone who has stuck by the YouTube channel and to all of our admins and forum users here on the channel. They really have kept the website current while I have been busy taking care of things in my personal life. I promised that the next video would be a long one and have a LOT to look at. You can get lost in these Gigapans and I really hope that you do! I spent a lot of time stitching these together and making sure that they were the best quality that I could get them. SOL 1448 really has been a goldmine for anomaly hunters and those people who are just hobbiest. I really hope you enjoy this one and expect much more to come from the latest batches of images!
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