Cassini Sees Saturn

Images

Monday, 01 July 2024

Saturn and its rings completely fill the field of view of Cassini's narrow angle camera in this natural color image taken on March 27, 2004. This was the last single "eyeful" of Saturn and its rings achievable with the narrow angle camera on approach to the planet.

Image Credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute

Planetary Positions

22.12.2024 at 06:00:45 UTC

Planet	Longitude
The Sun	00 Cap 52' 37"
The Moon	23 Vir 30' 03"
Mercury	09 Sag 13' 47"
Venus	17 Aqu 02' 19"
Mars	04 Leo 34' 14" R
Jupiter	14 Gem 21' 06" R
Saturn	13 Pis 51' 14"
Uranus	23 Tau 54' 21" R
Neptune	27 Pis 11' 25"
Pluto	00 Aqu 46' 28"

Solar Status

BZ Status:	2
Proton Density:	4.24
Proton Speed:	528.3 k/sec
KP Status:	2.33

Type	Dec 22	Dec 23	Dec 24
Active	20%	20%	30%
Minor	5%	5%	15%
Moderate	1%	1%	5%
Strong	1%	1%	1%
Kp Index Prediction
00-03UT	3.00	2.33	2.67
03-06UT	2.00	2.67	2.00
06-09UT	3.00	2.00	2.33
09-12UT	2.00	2.00	2.33
12-15UT	2.00	1.00	2.33
15-18UT	1.00	2.00	2.33
18-21UT	1.00	2.00	2.33
21-00UT	2.00	2.67	2.67
Solar Activity
Solar activity reached moderate levels. Region 3932 (S17E54, Ekc/beta) produced an impulsive M1.9 flare at 21/0038 UTC; the largest event of the period. Region 3927 (S08E25, Hsx/alpha) was split this period, with the lead spot maintaining the 3927 designation, and following intermediate and trailer spots being named new Region 3933 (S08E34, Dao/beta). Minor to moderate growth was observed in Regions 3928 (S14E34, Dai/beta), 3930 (S22W49, Cai/beta), 3932, and 3933.
Solar Wind
Solar wind parameters were mildly enhanced this period. Total field strength reached 9 nT and the Bz component varied between +/-8 nT. Solar wind speeds ranged between 450-560 km/s. Phi angle was predominantly oriented in the negative sector.
Energetic Particle
The greater than 10 MeV proton flux was elevated around 4 pfu, but remained below S1 (Minor) levels. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux was at normal to moderate levels. .Forecast... The greater than 10 MeV proton flux is expected to remain below S1 (Minor) levels over 22-24 Dec. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is expected to continue at normal to moderate levels through 24 Dec.

Cassini Sees Saturn

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