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  Enceladus V2.0  

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Uploaded: 02/01/09 10:47 AM GMT
Enceladus V2.0
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Whilst many people correctly expected Titan to be the most interesting aspect of the Cassini mission to Saturn, the moon Enceladus gave it a real close run. Passing within about 15 miles of the surface of Enceladus, NASA's Cassini captured this stunning mosaic as the spacecraft sped away from this geologically active moon of Saturn. Craters and cratered terrains are rare in this view of the southern region of the moon's Saturn-facing hemisphere. Instead, the surface is replete with fractures, folds, and ridges--all hallmarks of remarkable tectonic activity for a relatively small world.

Near the top are the conspicuous ridges of Ebony and Cufa Dorsae. Portions of the tiger stripe fractures, or sulci, are visible throughout the image. The icy moon's famed ice volcanoes emanate from at least eight distinct source regions, which lie on or near the tiger stripes.

Image Credit: NASA/JPL/ESA

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::Hottrockin
02/01/09 3:33 PM GMT
WHOA!! Terrifical textures tantalize!!
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Why do the pictures come out square when the lens is round??
&mimi
02/02/09 5:54 AM GMT
This has got to be one of the coolest images I have seen form space Phil. I love the muted colors that are visible to the naked eye as well what appears to be textures, lines, fissures and 'space stuff'. It is quite the image and very impressive and detailed.
My grandkids are getting a great Space education vicariously through your images.
The 5 year old, Mathew, cannot wait for me to fire up the computer and go to 'The Pictures".....he thinks they are the neatest thing since ice cream (and so do I). Thanks for all the post work you have done on this image and for taking the time to post it. Much appreciated.
To the grandkids space folder it goes as well as into my favorites!!
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~mimi~
::danika
02/02/09 7:14 AM GMT
Fascinating textures & lines. Excellent presentation Phil & thanks for the info. I learned something new today. Faves!
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We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give ~ Winston Churchill
.SFDesigns
02/02/09 8:09 AM GMT
out of this world!

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live and let live
::mike100
02/02/09 9:54 AM GMT
Phil, it is great to have a friend like you. if it weren't for you, we would be forced to view only network news.
thanks again.
mike
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