The Cassini investigation is spending its last few weeks revolve Saturn and it has just delivered a trove ofdata and figure . While the image are of row arresting , the scientists are more focused on the data as it ’s not what they expect .
The spacecraft has appraise the magnetic field of the major planet and discovered that the charismatic playing field has a petite tilt , 0.06 degrees with respect to the rotation axis of the satellite . This measurement challenges the established assumption that for a satellite to have a strong magnetic orbit , there should be some point of disceptation .
This has not only leave scientists scratching their heads , it has also complicated another matter researcher were trying to evaluate precisely : how quickly Saturn rotates on its axis .
" The disputation seems to be much small than we had previously estimated and quite challenging to explain , " tell Michele Dougherty , Cassini gaussmeter investigation lead at Imperial College London , in astatement . " We have not been able to correct the length of day at Saturn so far , but we ’re still working on it . "
A day on Saturn is about 10 hours and 40 minutes , but its actual valueremains a enigma . The rotation of the atmospheric state is too imprecise to estimate the gyration of accelerator giants and the squad were hope to establish the truthful day length using the magnetic field . Unfortunately , things have n’t gone grant to design .
This measurement is an of import science finish for the outside squad of researchers work with Cassini . Establishing the period in the magnetized theatre of operations rotation can tell us about the internal structure of Saturn . This , in turn , might tell us how the planet make .
This mosaic view of the bands and swirls in Saturn ’s atmosphere . NASA / JPL - Caltech / SSI / Hampton University
But it ’s not just puzzling newsworthiness from the investigation . Cassini do to call for the first - ever samples from the planet ’s air and main rings , which once canvas will give us new insight into what they are made of .
" The information we are view from Cassini ’s Grand Finale are every bit as exciting as we skip , although we are still deep in the process of working out what they are differentiate us about Saturn and its rings , " said Cassini Project Scientist Linda Spilker at JPL .
Cassini performed its 15th out of 22 weekly eye socket , which are part of its Grand Finale . The spacecraft has a calamitous date on September 15 , when it will take a last bow and dive into the ringed major planet .
" Cassini is performing attractively in the final leg of its foresighted journey , " said Cassini Project Manager Earl Maize at NASA ’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena , California . " Its observations continue to surprise and delight as we squeeze out every last routine of science that we can get . "
Saturn ’s C closed chain has a streaked grain unlike the next regions . NASA / JPL - Caltech / Space Science Institute
