William Atkins
Tuesday, 16 December 2008 20:03
Science -
Space
Page 2 of 3
In fact, NASA astronomers and scientists working the mission for Cassini have seen jets of water vapor and ice particles shooting up from vents on fractures that have been described as “tiger stripes.”
Such fractures, NASA states, show similarity to fractures here on Earth; specifically, to mid-ocean ridges on its seafloor. On Earth, volcanic materials have emerged upward to create new crust.
Paul Helfenstein (Cornell University at Ithaca, New York) was able to recreate how the tiger stripes came to be using digital maps imaged by the Cassini spacecraft.
However, the type of jets being spewed out is not so familiar here on our home planet.
One such jet has been observed over a long period. It shows that it varies over time.
Scientists, add that it
“has a far-reaching effect on Saturn’s magnetosphere.” The scientists also conjecture that such plumes of water vapor and icy materials may be the origin of one of the rings circling Saturn.
Specifically, the E-Ring of Saturn is a wide and diffuse disk of microscopic icy and dusty material located furthest away of all of Saturn’s rings.
Page three contains comments from members of the Cassini imaging team.
