News on Cassini : Titan closest flyby

[N_Molson]

Cassini performed it's closest approach ever from Titan's surface, diving in it's ionosphere (upper atmosphere). The flyby went very well, even if the atmosphere had more density than expected. The main goal was to search if Titan's has it's own magnetic field (which requires a close approach, because of Saturn's strong magnetic field).

The data analysis is now undergoing. If a magnetic field was found, Titan might have a molten metal core (planetary magnetic fields are generated by fluids convection inside the core), meaning tectonic activity.

Cassini makes dramatic dive in the name of science

(another great )

 

[Salun]

Dear NASA

Shut up and show me the pictures <3

 

[garyw]

What pictures? sounds to me like this was an instrumentation only exercise. Besides, Cassini would only be imaging an orange smog, not exactly riveting pictures.

 

[statickid]

There could be a picture of the graph from the magnetic field sensor :yes: I'd like to see that!

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Spaceflight Now: "Cassini spies tiny moon".

 

[RisingFury]

Hail Cassini! Hail Probe!

 

[Izack]

:hail:

Exciting mission so far. Looks like we get to see it continue 'till 2017, too.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

That's no moon, it's a space station. :rofl:

 

[Izack]

That's no moon, it's a space station. :rofl:

I believe you're thinking of Mimas. :lol:

 

[Wonderer]

That's no moon, it's a space station. :rofl:

Taht's no space station it's the probe.

 

[N_Molson]

:hail:

The probe and it's kin are the best explorers ever !

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

SpaceRef: "NASA Cassini Significant Events 06/30/10 - 07/06/10".

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

JPL: "See Beautiful Ontario Lacus: Cassini's Guided Tour".

 

[tblaxland]

I've created a general mission news and updates thread from Cassini and moved a couple of posts over there that weren't on the topic of this Titan flyby: Cassini Mission News and Updates