Saturn, Tethys, Rings, and Shadows

Discover the universe! Each day a different image or photograph of our universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

January 23, 2022.
The featured image shows the edges of the rings.
There are shadows on the planet's face.
Tethys. The image was taken in 2005.
You can see the explanation for more detailed information.

Tethys, Rings, and Shadows are related.
The image was taken by the SSI, JPL, and NASA.

The rings and shadows on the ice moon Tethys would show fantastic views of theSaturnian system. Have you dropped in on Tethys recently? The gorgeous ringscape from the Cassini spacecraft will have to be done for now. In 2005, Tethys was caught in sunlight just below and left of the picture center, and it was not quite five saturn-radii from the center of the gas giant planet. Tethys is one of five major moons that find themselves within the confines of the faint and tenuous outer E ring. Two small moons, Telesto and Calypso, are locked in a stable position. Telesto precedes Tethys as the trio circle the moon.
tethys.html

Tomorrow's picture: a witch?

The authors are Robert Nemiroff and Jerry Bonnell.
Phillip Newman has specific rights.
NASA has a web privacy policy.
There is a service at NASA.
& Michigan Tech. U.

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Discover the universe! Each day a different image or photograph of our universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

January 24
The star Rigel is shown in the featured image.
There is a reflection nebula illuminated.
by Rigel.
You can see the explanation for more detailed information.

The Witch Head Nebula has a Rigel.
The image is copyrighted by José Mtanous.

The visage shines in the dark thanks to the starlight and is known as the Witch Head Nebula. The telescopic portrait gives the impression that the witch has fixed her gaze on Rigel. The Witch Head Nebula is composed of dust grains reflecting Rigel's starlight and spans about 50 light-years. The blue color of the Witch Head Nebula is caused by the intense blue starlight of Rigel and the dust grains surrounding it. The blue daytime sky is caused by the same physical process as the scatterers in Earth's atmosphere are made of nitrogen and oxygen. About 800 light-years away, lies the Rigel, the Witch Head Nebula, and gas and dust.

The picture is of open space.

The authors are Robert Nemiroff and Jerry Bonnell.
Phillip Newman has specific rights.
NASA has a web privacy policy.
There is a service at NASA.
& Michigan Tech. U.