James Gaston

Finally some rain

On our way to Nice

A mind-blowing trip 16 Sep 2017 A mind-blowing trip 16 Sep 2017 Astronomy, Science --

A brilliant journey through space has come to an end. NASA's Cassini spacecraft spent the past twenty years successfully carrying out its mission to explore Saturn and its moons.

Cassini was launched in 1997 and it took seven years to reach Saturn. Along the way it flew by Venus, Earth, and Jupiter. Upon arrival Cassini took to orbiting Saturn where it sent back stunning photographs of the planet and its moons.

Sad to say, yesterday was Cassini's last day but what a trip it was, and what a testament to the skills of the scientists and engineers at NASA and elsewhere who participated in the endeavor. Whenever I feel despondent about mankind I'll remind myself of accomplishments such as this.

Credit: NASA
Saturn

Credit: NASA
Saturn's moon Titan

Credit: NASA
Saturn and Earth

Credit: NASA
Cassini's journey

Finally some rain

On our way to Nice