NASA's Cassini bids farewell to Saturn's icy moon 'Mimas' with stunning high-res mosaic – See pic

New Delhi: NASA has released a high-resolution mosaic of Saturn's icy moon Mimas created using images from Cassini spacecraft.

According to NASA, this mosaic, acquired at a distance of approximately 28,000 miles (45,000 kilometers) from Mimas, is one of the highest resolution views ever captured of the icy moon.

In its season of 'lasts', NASA's Cassini spacecraft made its final close approach to Mimas on January 30, 2017. At closest approach, Cassini passed 25,620 miles (41,230 kilometers) from Mimas.

However, all future observations of Mimas will be from more than twice this distance.

 

During its mission, Cassini made close approaches to Mimas only seven flybys at distances of less than 31,000 miles (50,000 kilometers).

Imaging scientists combined ten narrow-angle camera images to create this stunning mosaic view.

The images were taken in visible light with the Cassini spacecraft narrow-angle camera on January 30, 2017.

Mimas' surface is pockmarked with countless craters, the largest of which gives the icy moon its distinctive appearance.

NASA has released two versions of the mosaic - in one, the left side, which is lit by reflected light from Saturn, has been enhanced in brightness in order to show the full surface, whereas the second version features more natural illumination levels.