RocketSTEM Issue #7 - May 2014 | Page 30

pass enabled Cassini’s Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer, or INMS, to get a good whiff of the atmosphere, allowing further analysis of the composition of the atmosphere. Also Cassini’s Composite Infrared Spectrometer, or CIRS, continued to map the vertical structure of Titan’s atmosphere in far-infrared wavelengths of light. Scientists are watching for seasonal changes as the moon’s southern hemisphere heads into its several-yearslong winter season. Also the Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer, or VIMS, extended its global and regional map coverage of Titan. VIMS observed the moon’s extended atmosphere as it passes in front of the bright red star Antares. These measurements of wellknown stars provide a useful probe of the structure and density of the atmospheres Titan will occur this year. Cassini, as previously noted, is now in a more polar orbit, and will make passes through Saturn’s ring plane many times over the next three-plus years of the Solstice mission. Some of these passes will actually be between the rings and the the rings during these trips between the planet and its rings. of course, they will be continued to be used as gravity assists to propel the spacecraft and redirect of course, but will also serve scientific purposes. The recent discoveries of the icy plumes shooting from the surface, and possible seas below the surface of Enceladus make it a focal point for further investigation. As noted earlier, investigation of these plumes revealed that the spray contains complex organic chemicals. Tidal heating is keeping Enceladus warm, and hotspots associated with the plumes have been pinpointed. With heat, organic chemicals and, potentially liquid water, Enceladus could be a place where primitive life forms could evolve. Enceladus’s “astrobiological potential” are at the heart of many investigations being conducted in the Solstice Mission. The spacecraft will study the bright and dark surfaces of Dione and Rhea to compare their geological and cratering histories with those of other icy moons. Further analysis of the unique thermal features recently discovered on Mimas will be performed. Titan and many other moons will be channel and ridge area on Titan NASA/JPL/ top priority as scientists hope to catch the moon’s surface features in the act of changing. The spacecraft will look for signs of seasonal climate change such as planet, a path no other mission has done before. By diving between Saturn and its rings, the team hopes to obtain in depth knowledge of the gas giant. Cassini will study the internal structure of Saturn, its 28 28 as well as evidence of volcanic activity. All these passes will certainly reveal more secrets of Saturn, its ring system, and its moons. So stay tuned for more amazing photographs and more exciting years from Cassini. To learn more about Cassini’s accomplishments visit the mission’s website at http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/. www.RocketSTEM .org