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NASA's Cassini spacecraft captures stunning images of Saturn's moon Enceladus

Speed News Desk | Updated on: 13 February 2017, 11:42 IST

NASA's Saturn-bound spacecraft Cassini, recently had a successful flyby of the planet's icy and geologically active moon - Enceladus. The spacecraft has now started to transmit the latest images which give a deep insight about Saturn and its natural satellite.

Cassini is transmitting numerous images of Enceladus with every detail to Earth. In October, Cassini swooped quite low over the small moon's south pole, where dozens of geysers are continuously hurling salty water in to the space. A massive ocean is believed to be hidden under the icy surface of the moon- which is an indication that microbial life may be present on Enceladus.

Here are the first breathtaking images from Cassini's close encounter with Enceladus, Saturn's 'geyser moon':

01
Enceladus' south pole
Enceladus 1-NASA.jpg

Photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute

The south polar region of Saturn's active, icy moon Enceladus awaits NASA's Cassini spacecraft in this view, acquired on approach to the mission's deepest-ever dive through the moon's plume of icy spray.


02
And here's what Cassini saw as it skimmed just 77 miles above Enceladus' surface:
Enceladus 2 -NASA.jpg

Photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute

The Cassini spacecraft captured this view of the icy, rugged surface of Enceladus as it raced by just 77 miles (124 kilometers) from the surface.:

03
Plumes of ice, water vapour & organic molecules thrown high by geysers on the moon.:
Enceladus 3 - NASA.jpg

Photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute

Glowing plumes of spray appear above to jet from the dark surface of Enceladus in this unprocessed image acquired by the Cassini spacecraft on 28 October, 2015.

04
Of course, the best one. Enceladus shining like a sliver against black space
Encladus 4 NASA.jpg

Photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute

Following a successful close flyby of Enceladus, the Cassini spacecraft captured this beautiful image of the icy moon with Saturn's rings beyond.

First published: 4 December 2015, 11:00 IST