Astronomy Picture of the Day: The Shadow of Saturn

In the Shadow of Saturn Credit: Cassini Imaging Team, SSI, JPL, ESA, NASA Explanation: In the shadow of Saturn, unexpected wonders appear. The robotic Cassini spacecraft now orbiting Saturn recently drifted in giant planet's shadow for about 12 hours and looked back toward the eclipsed Sun. Cassini saw a view unlike any other. First, the night side of Saturn is seen to be partly lit by light reflected from its own majestic ring system. Next, the rings themselves appear dark when silhouetted against Saturn, but quite bright when viewed away from Saturn and slightly scattering sunlight, in the above exaggerated color image. Saturn's rings light up so much that new rings were discovered, although they are hard to see in the above image. Visible in spectacular detail, however, is Saturn's E ring, the ring created by the newly discovered ice-fountains of the moon Enceladus, and the outermost ring visible above. Far in the distance, visible on the image left just above the bright main rings, is the almost ignorable pale blue dot of Earth. Corrine's Note: In the symbolic language of astrology, the clearly defined rings of the planet Saturn represent boundaries and limitations. In an astrological chart, Saturn tends to suggest traditional authority and enforced discipline. At first glance, that Saturnine symbolism might seem oppressive and unduly negative. In real life, however, boundaries are crucial. Think of boundaries in practical terms: your skin is a boundary, one that keeps your insides in, and the germs and contaminates of the outside world ... well, out. In personal and business relationships, boundaries make it possible to live and work with other people. Think back to the last time your boundaries were ignored, and your personal space was invaded. In that case, don't you wish that you had embodied Saturn's energy a little bit more? Ultimately, Saturn can be a good reminder that good fences make good neighbors. Plus, this is just a really cool photo. Thanks, NASA!