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The Planetary Report • May/June 2004

Saturn - Up Close

Saturn - Up Close

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On the Cover: Cassini-Huygens, too close to image a full view of Saturn, took this picture on April 16, 2004 from a distance of 38.5 million kilometers (nearly 24 million miles). Contrast has been enhanced to make features in the atmosphere easier to see. The bright dot to the left of the south pole is Saturn’s moon Mimas.

Features

6 The Proof Is In: Ancient Water on Mars: Mike Carr literally wrote the book about Water on Mars. Here he explains his excitement for the MER rover findings.

12 Cassini and Huygens Arrive at Saturn: A Grand Adventure is Beginning: Project Scientist Dennis Matson and Deputy Project Scientist Linda Spilker give a detailed preview of what to expect from this exciting mission.

Departments

3 Members' Dialogue Inspirational work; notes from cyberspace; DVDs on the Mars rovers

4 We Make it Happen! Shoemaker NEO grants and SETI

19 World Watch The NASA budget; future lunar exploration

20 Q&A How can we tell when comets are "young?" Why are the MER wheels so small?

22 Society News The "Aim for Mars!" campaign; Planetary Radio; local events

Saturn - Up Close

The Planetary Report • May/June 2004

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