For every science and space geek out there, there is really only one thing of importance happening today…. actually… that has already happened… today.
The fiery end of the Cassini spacecraft orbiting Saturn. It burned up in Saturn’s atmosphere in about 3:30AM PST this morning… and in the process delivered the first data ever directly captured from the atmosphere of an outer planet!
Every time we see Saturn in the night sky, we'll remember. We'll smile. And we'll want to go back. #GrandFinale #GoodbyeCassini #Cassini pic.twitter.com/6tzJ4N9Jif
— NASA Solar System (@NASASolarSystem) September 15, 2017
If you want three minutes of inspiring words and music and images of Cassini, check out the video below.
The spacecraft burned up in Saturns atmosphere earlier this morning. A replay of NASA’s full 1.5 hour of coverage which has some really great parts with images and videos and information on what happened during its time, and of course the moment of its demise.
Cassini is surely on of the greatest achievement yet of planetary research. Its discoveries (with the help of its little compatriot Huygens) include methane rivers and oceans on the moon Titan, oceans under the ice of the tiny moon Enceladus, it even discovered 6 new moons around Saturn. To quote one of the scientists in the video above, as its message ended with the end of its fuel, it had to be disposed of in order to protect the “pre-biotic” moons. Pre-biotic! That means thanks to this satellite, scientists are certain that there are, at the very least, the building blocks of life on the moons of Saturn!
It took some incredibly beautiful pictures. It has also contributed to literally thousands of published science research papers. Here is one of the final images it took of Saturn’s rings. The gaps are where small moons have ‘cleared’ space!
One of Cassini's last images as it dives towards Saturn. 4 hours left. I'll miss you @CassiniSaturn pic.twitter.com/od8tk9kMTj
— Brian Cox (@ProfBrianCox) September 15, 2017
In other news… it’s a nice day!
We should get up to 24ºC!
If you are looking for a Toy Run forecast, there is good news and bad news. The good news is, Saturday should be totally fine. There is no rain expected, so the main Toy Run should be great.
Unfortunately the same cannot be said for Sunday. Rain will begin around 8AM.
It will last all morning but it should push through by 2PM in the afternoon.
Have a great weekend. And if you look up at the sky tonight, look for Saturn and consider all the amazing things we’ve seen!
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