Emily LakdawallaFeb 06, 2012

Pretty picture: Enceladus, in lovely color

Here's an awesome picture to start off the week. The data came from Cassini's flyby of Enceladus on January 31, 2011; it was part of Cassini's January 2012 data release. Most of the visible globe is lit by yellowish light reflected first from Saturn; only a thin crescent receives sunlight. At bottom center, Enceladus' south polar plumes erupt into space. They are back-lit by the Sun. As usual for awesome Cassini color photos posted here, this one was processed by Gordan Ugarkovic.

Global Saturnshine view of Enceladus in color
Global Saturnshine view of Enceladus in color Image: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SSI / composite by Gordan Ugarkovic

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