nasa

us national archives

kennedy space center

politics and government

hud

spacecraft

hurricane

impact, nasa

1,696 media by topic ∙ page 2 of 17
Range : 4.2 million kilometers (2.6 million miles) Ganymede is Jupiter's Largest Galilean satellites and 3rd from the planet. Photo taken after midnight Ganymede is slightly larger than Mercury but much less dense (twice the density of water). Its surface brightness is 4 times of Earth's Moon. Mare regions (dark features) are like the Moon's but have twice the brightness, and believed to be unlikely of rock or lava as the Moon's are. It's north pole seems covered with brighter material and may be water frost. Scattered brighter spots may be related to impact craters or source of fresh ice. ARC-1979-A79-7016

Range : 4.2 million kilometers (2.6 million miles) Ganymede is Jupite...

Range : 4.2 million kilometers (2.6 million miles) Ganymede is Jupiter's Largest Galilean satellites and 3rd from the planet. Photo taken after midnight Ganymede is slightly larger than Mercury but much less... More

2:30 pm Photographer : JPL Range : 2.6 million km. ( 1.6 million miles ) Ganymede is Jupiter's largest satellite ( or moon ) With a radius of about 2600 km., about 1.5 times that of our moon, Ganymede has a bulk density of about 2.0 g/cc, almost half that of our moon, and is probably composed of rock and ice. The large dark regions, in the northeast quadrant, and the white spots, resemble features found on the moon, mare and impact respectively. The long white filaments resemble rays associated with impacts on the lunar surface. The various colors, other than the several blue, green, & orange dots, which are markings on the camera used for pointing determinations and are not physical markings, probably represent differing surface materials. ARC-1979-AC79-7014

2:30 pm Photographer : JPL Range : 2.6 million km. ( 1.6 million m...

2:30 pm Photographer : JPL Range : 2.6 million km. ( 1.6 million miles ) Ganymede is Jupiter's largest satellite ( or moon ) With a radius of about 2600 km., about 1.5 times that of our moon, Ganymede has a... More

Range : 862,200 km. ( 500,000 miles ) This photograph shows subspacecraft longitude of approximately 146 degrees of Jupiter's moon Io. Circular features are seen that may be meteorite impact craters or features of internal origins. Irregular depressions are seen that indicate surface modifications. The bright irregular patches appear to be younger deposits masking the surface detail. ARC-1979-AC79-7013

Range : 862,200 km. ( 500,000 miles ) This photograph shows subspacec...

Range : 862,200 km. ( 500,000 miles ) This photograph shows subspacecraft longitude of approximately 146 degrees of Jupiter's moon Io. Circular features are seen that may be meteorite impact craters or feature... More

P-21744 C Range: 4.2 million kilometers (2.6 million miles) In this image of Europa acquired by Voyager 2, global scale dark streaks are becoming visible. Europa, the size of the earth's moon, is apparently covered by water ice as indicated by ground based spectrometers and its brightness. The central longitude of this view is 235° west. Bright rayed impact craters which are abundant on ancient Ganymede and Callisto would easily be visible at this range. The suggestion is that Europa's surface is young and that the streaks are reflections of currently active internal dynamic processes. ARC-1979-AC79-7078

P-21744 C Range: 4.2 million kilometers (2.6 million miles) In this im...

P-21744 C Range: 4.2 million kilometers (2.6 million miles) In this image of Europa acquired by Voyager 2, global scale dark streaks are becoming visible. Europa, the size of the earth's moon, is apparently cov... More

Range : 4.2 million km. ( 2.6 million miles ) Jupiter's moon Europa, the size of earth's moon, is apparently covered by water ice, as indicated by ground spectrometers and its brightness. In this view, global scale dark sreaks discovered by Voyager 1 that criss-cross the the satelite are becoming visible. Bright rayed impact craters, which are abundant on Ganymede and Callisto, would be easily visible at this range, suggesting that Europa's surface is young and that the streaks are reflections of currently active internal dynamic processes. ARC-1979-A79-7103

Range : 4.2 million km. ( 2.6 million miles ) Jupiter's moon Europa, ...

Range : 4.2 million km. ( 2.6 million miles ) Jupiter's moon Europa, the size of earth's moon, is apparently covered by water ice, as indicated by ground spectrometers and its brightness. In this view, global ... More

Range : 1,094,666 km (677,000 mi.) This false color picture of Callisto was taken by Voyager 2 and is centered on 11 degrees N and 171 degrees W. This rendition uses an ultraviolet image for the blue component. Because the surface displays regional contrast in UV, variations in surface materials are apparent. Notice in particular the dark blue haloes which surround bright craters in the eastern hemisphere. The surface of Callisto is the most heavily cratered of the Galilean satellites and resembles ancient heavily cratered terrains on the moon, Mercury and Mars. The bright areas are ejecta thrown out by relatively young impact craters. A large ringed structure, probably an impact basin, is shown in the upper left part of the picture. The color version of this picture was constructed by compositing black and white images taken through the ultraviolet, clear and orange filters. ARC-1979-AC79-7104

Range : 1,094,666 km (677,000 mi.) This false color picture of Callis...

Range : 1,094,666 km (677,000 mi.) This false color picture of Callisto was taken by Voyager 2 and is centered on 11 degrees N and 171 degrees W. This rendition uses an ultraviolet image for the blue componen... More

P-21740 C Range: 2,318,000 kilometers (1,438,000 miles) This picture of Callisto taken by Voyager 2 shows the moon covered with bright spots which are metoerite impact craters--a fact originally discovered from the high resolution pictures taken by Voyager 1. Scientists believe that heavily cratered terrains like these on Callisto are indicative of ancient planetary surfaces. Voyager 2 mapped the side of Callisto not seen by Voyager 1. The obsure dark streaks in this area may be fault zones, but higher resolution pictures are needed for identification. ARC-1979-AC79-7075

P-21740 C Range: 2,318,000 kilometers (1,438,000 miles) This picture o...

P-21740 C Range: 2,318,000 kilometers (1,438,000 miles) This picture of Callisto taken by Voyager 2 shows the moon covered with bright spots which are metoerite impact craters--a fact originally discovered from... More

P-21746 BW Range: 390,000 kilometers (245,000 miles) This photomosaic of Callisto is composed of nine frames. The impact crater distribution is very uniform across the disk. Notable are the very bright rayed craters that probably are very young. Near the limb is a giant probable impact structure. Several large structures were discovered by Voyager 1. This one is smaller than the largest one found by Voyager 1 but is more clearly shown. About 15 concentric rings surround the bright central spot. Many hundreds of moderate sized impacts are also seen, a few with bright radial ray patterns. The limb is very smooth confirming that no high topography has been seen on the satellite, and observation consistent with its icy composition. ARC-1979-A79-7080

P-21746 BW Range: 390,000 kilometers (245,000 miles) This photomosaic ...

P-21746 BW Range: 390,000 kilometers (245,000 miles) This photomosaic of Callisto is composed of nine frames. The impact crater distribution is very uniform across the disk. Notable are the very bright rayed cr... More

Range : 85,000 kilometers (53,000 miles) This photo of Jupiter's satellite Ganymede shows ancient cratered terrain. A variety of impact craters of different ages are shown. The brightest craters are the youngest. The ejecta blankets fade with age. The center shows a bright patch that represents the rebounding of the floor of the crater. The dirty ice has lost all topography except for faint circular patterns. Also shown are the 'Callisto type' curved troughs and ridges that mark an ancient enormous impact basin. The basin itself has been destroyed by later geologic processes. Only the ring features are preserved on the ancient surface. Near the bottom of the picture, these curved features are trumcated by the younger grooved terrain. ARC-1979-A79-7097

Range : 85,000 kilometers (53,000 miles) This photo of Jupiter's sate...

Range : 85,000 kilometers (53,000 miles) This photo of Jupiter's satellite Ganymede shows ancient cratered terrain. A variety of impact craters of different ages are shown. The brightest craters are the youn... More

Range : top- 86,000 miles bottom- 192,000 mi. These two close-ups of Ganymede, the largest of Jupiter's 13 moons, show different views of the largest block of dark, heavily cratered terrain. The bottom image shows objects 3 or 4 miles across, with resolution of about 1.5 miles. The light, linear stripes recurring across the dark region resemble the outer rings of the large ring structure around Callisto. If these features are related to an ancient ring structure formed by a large impact, their small curvature suggests that the original structure was even larger than one seen on Callisto. There is no apparent trace now of the center of this suggested structure, which must have been destroyed by the resurfacing evident over most of Ganymede in the grooved terrain. Another interpretation is that these features are not impact-related rings, but rather internally produced fractures crossing the dark terrain, similiar to the grooved bands. ARC-1979-A79-7107

Range : top- 86,000 miles bottom- 192,000 mi. These two close-ups o...

Range : top- 86,000 miles bottom- 192,000 mi. These two close-ups of Ganymede, the largest of Jupiter's 13 moons, show different views of the largest block of dark, heavily cratered terrain. The bottom image... More

P-21751 C Range: 1.2 million kilometers This Voyager 2 color photo of Ganymede, the largest Galilean satellite, shows a large dark circular feature about 3200 kilometers in diameter with narrow closely-spaced light bands traversing its surface. The bright spots dotting the surface are relatively recent impact craters, while the lighter circular areas may be older impact areas. The light branching bands are ridged and grooved terrain first seen on Voyager 1 and are younger than the more heavily cratered dark regions. The nature of the brightish region covering the northern part of the dark circular fature is uncertain, but it may be some type of condensate. Most of the features seen on the surface of Ganymede are probably both internal and external responses of the very thick icy layer which comprises the crust of this satellite. ARC-1979-AC79-7083

P-21751 C Range: 1.2 million kilometers This Voyager 2 color photo of ...

P-21751 C Range: 1.2 million kilometers This Voyager 2 color photo of Ganymede, the largest Galilean satellite, shows a large dark circular feature about 3200 kilometers in diameter with narrow closely-spaced l... More

P-21756 BW only Range: 120,000 km (right) 169,000 km (left) Right: In the foreground of this picture taken by Voyager 2, the part of the surface of Ganymede shown is the typical grooved terrain as seen by Voyager 1. It consists of mutually intersecting bands of closely-spaced, parallel ridges and grooves. In the background is newly-cratered dark terrain across which can be traced several widely spaced parellel linear features. When viewed from a distance the line features appear to trace broad circular areas. The features resemble the circular ridges on Callisto that surround an almost complete annealed impact basin. The feature on Ganymede may be of similar origin but all traces of the impact itself have been destroyed. Left: This picture of Ganymede shows that the dark contrast terrain is separated by bright bands of grooved terain. The band of closely spaced linear grooves in the foreground is 150 km across and appears to be offset by another narrow band at right angles, as though by faulting. A variety of ray patterns are seen around the craters. One is in the left of the picture, it has prominent dark rays around an inner bright halo. Other craters have dark haloes; others have diffuse bright rays. The variation of albedo patterns around the craters may be indications of layering in the surface materials. The intensity of the craters suggests the dark areas are extremely old. The bright grooved terrain is less cratered and probably somewhat younger. ARC-1979-A79-7085

P-21756 BW only Range: 120,000 km (right) 169,000 km (left) Right: In...

P-21756 BW only Range: 120,000 km (right) 169,000 km (left) Right: In the foreground of this picture taken by Voyager 2, the part of the surface of Ganymede shown is the typical grooved terrain as seen by Voya... More

Range : 241,000km (150,600 mi.). This black and white image of Europa, smallest of Jupiter's four Galilean satellites, was acquired by Voyager 2. Europa, the brightest of the Galiliean satellites, has a density slightly less than Io, suggesting it has a substantial quantity of water. Scientists previously speculated that the water must have cooled from the interior and formed a mantle of ice perhaps 100 km thick. The complex patterns on its surface suggest that the icy surface was fractured, and that the cracks filled with dark material from below. Very few impact craters are visible on the surface, suggesting that active processes on the surface are still modifying Europa. The tectonic pattern seen on its surface differs drastically from the fault systems seen on Ganymede where pieces of the crust have moved relative to each other. On Europa, the crust evidently fractures but the pieces remain in roughly their original position. ARC-1979-A79-7092

Range : 241,000km (150,600 mi.). This black and white image of Europa...

Range : 241,000km (150,600 mi.). This black and white image of Europa, smallest of Jupiter's four Galilean satellites, was acquired by Voyager 2. Europa, the brightest of the Galiliean satellites, has a densi... More

Range : 225,000 kilometers (140,625 miles) This image of the Jovian moon Europa was taken by Voyager 2 along the evening terminator, which best shows the surface topography of complex narrow ridges, seen as curved bright streaks, 5 to 10 kilometers wide, and typically 100 kilometers in length. The area shown is about 600 by 800 kilometers, and the smallest features visible are about 4 kilometers in size. Also visable are dark bands, more diffused in character, 20 to 40 kilometers wide and hundreds to thousands of kilometers in length. A few features are suggestive of impact craters but are rare, indication that the surface thought to be dominantly ice is still active, perhaps warmed by tidal heating like Io. The larger icy satellites, Callisto and Ganymede, are evidently colder with much more rigid crusts and ancient impact craters. The complex intersection of dark markings and bright ridges suggest that the surface has been fractured and material from beneath has welled up to fill the cracks. ARC-1979-A79-7093

Range : 225,000 kilometers (140,625 miles) This image of the Jovian m...

Range : 225,000 kilometers (140,625 miles) This image of the Jovian moon Europa was taken by Voyager 2 along the evening terminator, which best shows the surface topography of complex narrow ridges, seen as cu... More

P-21758 BW Range: 246,000 kilometers (152,000 miles) This picture by Voyager 2 is the first close look ever obtained of Jupiter's satellite, Europa. The linear crack-like features had been seen from a much greater distance by Voyager 1 but this image provides a resolution of about four kilometers (2.5 miles). The complicated linear features appear even more like cracks or huge fractures in these images. Also seen are somewhat darker mottled regions which appear to have a slightly pitted appearance, perhaps due to small scale craters. No large craters (more than five kilometers in diameter) are easily identifiable in the Europa photographs to date, suggesting that this satellite has a young surface relative to Ganymede and Callisto, although not perhaps as young as Io's. Various models for Europa's structure will be tested during analysis of these images, including the possibility that the surface is a thin ice crust overlying water or softer ice and that the fracture systems seen are breaks in that crust. Resurfacing mechanisms such as production of fresh ice or snow along the cracks and cold glacier-like flows are being considered as possibilities for removing evidence of impact events. Europa thus appears to truly be a satellite with many properties intermediate between Ganymede and Io. ARC-1979-A79-7087

P-21758 BW Range: 246,000 kilometers (152,000 miles) This picture by V...

P-21758 BW Range: 246,000 kilometers (152,000 miles) This picture by Voyager 2 is the first close look ever obtained of Jupiter's satellite, Europa. The linear crack-like features had been seen from a much grea... More

100,000 kilometers (62,000 miles) This photomosaic of Ganymede, Jupiter's largest satellite, shows many impact craters, some with bright ray systems. The rough mountainous terrain at lower right is the outer portion of a large fresh impact basin which post-dates most of the other terrain. At bottom, portions of grooved terrain transect other portions indication they are younger. This may be the result of the intrusion of new icy material which comprises the crust of Ganymede. The dark patches of heavily cratered terrain (right center) are probably ancient icy material formed prior to the grooved terrain. The large rayed crater at upper center is about 150 kilometers (93 miles) in diameter. ARC-1979-A79-7096

100,000 kilometers (62,000 miles) This photomosaic of Ganymede, Jupite...

100,000 kilometers (62,000 miles) This photomosaic of Ganymede, Jupiter's largest satellite, shows many impact craters, some with bright ray systems. The rough mountainous terrain at lower right is the outer p... More

P-21760 BW This color image of the Jovian moon Europa, which is the size of our moon, is thought to have a crust of ice perhaps 100 kilometers thick which overlies the silicate crust. The complex array of streaks indicate that the crust has been fractured and filled by materials from the interior. The lack of relief, any visible mountains or craters, on its bright limb is consistent with a thick ice crust. In contrast to its icy neighbors, Ganymede and Callisto, Europa has very few impact craters. One possible candidate is the small feature near the center of this image with radiating rays and a bright circular interior. The relative absence of features and low topography suggests the crust is young and warm a few kilometers below the surface. The tidal heating process suggested for Io also may be heating Europa's interior at a lower rate. ARC-1979-A79-7088

P-21760 BW This color image of the Jovian moon Europa, which is the si...

P-21760 BW This color image of the Jovian moon Europa, which is the size of our moon, is thought to have a crust of ice perhaps 100 kilometers thick which overlies the silicate crust. The complex array of strea... More

P-21762 C This color picture of Ganymede in the region 30° S 180° W shows features as small as 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) across. Shown is a bright halo impact crater that shows the fresh material thrown out of the crater. In the background is bright grooved terrain that may be the result of shearing of the surface materials along fault planes. The dark background material is the ancient heavily cratered terrain--the oldest material preserved on the Ganymede surface. ARC-1979-AC79-7090

P-21762 C This color picture of Ganymede in the region 30° S 180° W ...

P-21762 C This color picture of Ganymede in the region 30° S 180° W shows features as small as 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) across. Shown is a bright halo impact crater that shows the fresh material thrown out of... More

P-21760 C This color image of the Jovian moon Europa, which is the size of our moon, is thought to have a crust of ice perhaps 100 kilometers thick which overlies the silicate crust. The complex array of streaks indicate that the crust has been fractured and filled by materials from the interior. The lack of relief, any visible mountains or craters, on its bright limb is consistent with a thick ice crust. In contrast to its icy neighbors, Ganymede and Callisto, Europa has very few impact craters. One possible candidate is the small feature near the center of this image with radiating rays and a bright circular interior. The relative absence of features and low topography suggests the crust is young and warm a few kilometers below the surface. The tidal heating process suggested for Io also may be heating Europa's interior at a lower rate. ARC-1979-AC79-7088

P-21760 C This color image of the Jovian moon Europa, which is the siz...

P-21760 C This color image of the Jovian moon Europa, which is the size of our moon, is thought to have a crust of ice perhaps 100 kilometers thick which overlies the silicate crust. The complex array of streak... More

P-21761 C Range: 313,000 kilometers (194,000 miles) This color reconstruction of part of the northern hemisphere of Ganymede shows a scene approximately 1,300 kilometers (806 miles) across. It shows part of dark, densely cratered block which is bound on the south by lighter, and less cratered grooved terrain. The dark blocks are believed to be the oldest parts of Ganymede's surface. Numerous craters are visible, many with central peaks. The large bright circular features have little relief and are probably the remnants of old, large craters that have been annealed by flow of the icy near-surface material. The closely-spaced arcuate, linear features are probably analogous to similiar features on Ganymede which surround a large impact basin. The linear features here may indicate the former presence of a large impact basin to the southwest. ARC-1979-AC79-7089

P-21761 C Range: 313,000 kilometers (194,000 miles) This color reconst...

P-21761 C Range: 313,000 kilometers (194,000 miles) This color reconstruction of part of the northern hemisphere of Ganymede shows a scene approximately 1,300 kilometers (806 miles) across. It shows part of dar... More

This color reconstruction of part of the northern hemisphere of Ganymede was made from pictures taken at a range of 313,000 km (194,000 mi.). The scene is approx. 1,300 km (806 mi.) across. It shows part of dark, densely cratered block which is bound on the south by lighter, and less cratered, grooved terrain. The dark blocks are believed to be the oldest parts of Ganymede's surface. Numerous craters are visible, many with central peaks. The large bright circular features have little relief and are probably the remnants of old, large craters that have been annealed by flow of the icy near-surface material. The closely-spaced arcuate, linear features are probably analogous to similar features on Ganymede which surround a large impact basin. The linear features here may indicate the former presence of a large impact basin to the southwest. ARC-1979-A79-7089

This color reconstruction of part of the northern hemisphere of Ganyme...

This color reconstruction of part of the northern hemisphere of Ganymede was made from pictures taken at a range of 313,000 km (194,000 mi.). The scene is approx. 1,300 km (806 mi.) across. It shows part of d... More

Range : 312, 000 kilometers (195,000 miles) This photo of Ganymede (Ice Giant) was taken from Voyager 2 and shows features down to about 5 to 6 kilometers across. Different types of terrain common on Ganymede's surface are visible. The boundary of the largest region of dark ancient terrain on Ganymede can be seen to the east (right), revealing some of the light linear features which may be all that remains of a large ancient impact structure similar to the large ring structure on Callisto. The broad light regions running through the image are the typical grooved structures seen within another example of what might be evidence of large scale lateral motion in Ganymede's crust. The band of grooved terrain (about 100 kilometers wide) in this region appears to be offset by 50 kilometers or more on the left hand edge by a linear feature perpendicular to it. A feature similar to this one was previously discovered by Voyager 1. These are the first clear examples of strike-slip style faulting on any planet other than Earth. Many examples of craters of all ages can be seen in this image, ranging from fresh, bright ray craters to large, subdued circular markings thought to be the 'scars' of large ancient impacts that have been flatteded by glacier-like flows. ARC-1979-AC79-7095

Range : 312, 000 kilometers (195,000 miles) This photo of Ganymede (I...

Range : 312, 000 kilometers (195,000 miles) This photo of Ganymede (Ice Giant) was taken from Voyager 2 and shows features down to about 5 to 6 kilometers across. Different types of terrain common on Ganymede... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch is moved into a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1909

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shutt...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch is moved into a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Ai... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, monitor the lifting of the left spent booster, used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1915

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the hoisting slip at the Solid Rock...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, monitor the lifting of the left spent booster, ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers in a small raft, guide the left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch into position in a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1913

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers in a small raft, guide the left spent ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers in a small raft, guide the left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch into position in a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch hangs in a hoisting device at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1918

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shutt...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch hangs in a hoisting device at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air F... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star is tied back up to a spent shuttle booster and ready to continue the journey to the dock at Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1937

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star is tied back up to a spent shuttle booster and ready to continue the journey to the dock at Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Sta... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, monitor the lifting of the left spent booster, used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1917

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the hoisting slip at the Solid Rock...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, monitor the lifting of the left spent booster, ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A diver from Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, helps retrieve a spent shuttle booster in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida. The booster, which was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24, will be transported to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Frank Michaux KSC-2011-1929

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A diver from Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A diver from Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, helps retrieve a spent shuttle booster in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida. The booster, which w... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star, with a spent shuttle booster in tow, just passed through a drawbridge on its way to the dock at Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1933

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star, with a spent shuttle booster in tow, just passed through a drawbridge on its way to the dock at Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Forc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star delivers a spent shuttle booster to workers at Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1941

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star delivers a spent shuttle booster to workers at Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A spent shuttle booster will be ushered through the shallow waters of the locks at Port Canaveral, Fla., by a skiff from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships. The booster, which was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24, is on its way to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1935

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A spent shuttle booster will be ushered throug...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A spent shuttle booster will be ushered through the shallow waters of the locks at Port Canaveral, Fla., by a skiff from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff and aboard Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, usher a spent shuttle booster to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1943

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff and aboard Liberty Sta...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff and aboard Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, usher a spent shuttle booster to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Flo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch is guided into a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1912

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shutt...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch is guided into a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral A... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, usher a spent shuttle booster through the shallow waters of the locks at Port Canaveral, Fla. The booster, which was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24, is on its way to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1936

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff from Freedom Star, one...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, usher a spent shuttle booster through the shallow waters of the locks at Port Canaveral, Fl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, accompany the left spent booster, used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch, into the building for processing. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1921

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, accompany the left spent booster, used during space shuttle Discover... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch is guided into a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1910

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shutt...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch is guided into a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral A... More

Range : 660,000 kilometers (400,000 miles) Time : 5:05 am PST This Voyager 1 picture of Mimas shows a large impact structure at 110 degrees W Long., located on that face of the moon which leads Mimas in its orbit. The feature, about 130 kilometers in diameter (80 miles), is more than 1/4 the diameter of the entire moon. This is a particularly interesting feature in view of its large diameter compared with the size of the satellite, and may have the largest crater diameter/satillite diameter ratio in the solar system. The crater has a raised rim and central peak, typical of large impact structures on terrestrial planets. Additional smaller craters, 15-45 kilometers in diameter, can be seen scattered across the surface, particularly alon the terminator. Mimas is one of the smaller Saturnian satellites with a low density implying its chief component is ice. ARC-1980-A80-7034

Range : 660,000 kilometers (400,000 miles) Time : 5:05 am PST This V...

Range : 660,000 kilometers (400,000 miles) Time : 5:05 am PST This Voyager 1 picture of Mimas shows a large impact structure at 110 degrees W Long., located on that face of the moon which leads Mimas in its o... More

STS112-713-029 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-029 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-033 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-033 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-055 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-055 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-024 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-024 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-025 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-025 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-021 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-021 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-036 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-036 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-030 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-030 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-043 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-043 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-038 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-038 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-054 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-054 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-035 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-035 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-037 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-037 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-032 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-032 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-028 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-028 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-018 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-018 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-039 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-039 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-022 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-022 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-053 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-053 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-041 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-041 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-056 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-056 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-040 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-040 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-023 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-023 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-034 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-034 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-026 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-026 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-027 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-027 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

STS112-713-031 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,Canada taken by the STS-112 crew

STS112-713-031 - STS-112 - View of Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec,C...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of the Manicouagan impact crater, Quebec, Canada taken by the STS-112 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: Atlantis (Orbiter), E... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that passed through Kennedy Space Center about 5 p.m. EST on Feb. 26. A full assessment of the storm's impact is under way. The two-day STS-117 Flight Readiness Review is being held concurrently with the assessment. Hail also impacted Space Shuttle Columbia before the launch of STS-4 in 1982; Atlantis, being readied for STS-38 in 1990; and Discovery, before the launch of STS-96 in 1999. KSC-07pd0548

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank at...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that passed through Kennedy Space Center ab... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that passed through Kennedy Space Center about 5 p.m. EST on Feb. 26. A full assessment of the storm's impact is under way. The two-day STS-117 Flight Readiness Review is being held concurrently with the assessment. Hail also impacted Space Shuttle Columbia before the launch of STS-4 in 1982; Atlantis, being readied for STS-38 in 1990; and Discovery, before the launch of STS-96 in 1999. KSC-07pd0546

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank at...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that passed through Kennedy Space Center ab... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that passed through Kennedy Space Center about 5 p.m. EST on Feb. 26. A full assessment of the storm's impact is under way. The two-day STS-117 Flight Readiness Review is being held concurrently with the assessment. Hail also impacted Space Shuttle Columbia before the launch of STS-4 in 1982; Atlantis, being readied for STS-38 in 1990; and Discovery, before the launch of STS-96 in 1999. KSC-07pd0545

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank at...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that passed through Kennedy Space Center ab... More

A Thiokol solid propellant apogee kick motor of the joint Air Force-Navy communications satellite (FLTSATCOM) is being put into a high altitude test cell. The engine also underwent the impact, vibration and acceleration (IVA) test

A Thiokol solid propellant apogee kick motor of the joint Air Force-Na...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Arnold Air Force Station State: Tennessee (TN) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Phil Tarver Release Status: Releas... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that passed through Kennedy Space Center about 5 p.m. EST on Feb. 26. A full assessment of the storm's impact is under way. The two-day STS-117 Flight Readiness Review is being held concurrently with the assessment. Hail also impacted Space Shuttle Columbia before the launch of STS-4 in 1982; Atlantis, being readied for STS-38 in 1990; and Discovery, before the launch of STS-96 in 1999. KSC-07pd0549

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank at...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that passed through Kennedy Space Center ab... More

Controlled Impact Demonstration instrumented test dummies installed in plane. EC84-28307

Controlled Impact Demonstration instrumented test dummies installed in...

Controlled Impact Demonstration instrumented test dummies installed in plane. Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

CID (Controlled Imact Demonstrator) Aircraft skid after wing cutter impact. EC84-31806

CID (Controlled Imact Demonstrator) Aircraft skid after wing cutter im...

CID (Controlled Imact Demonstrator) Aircraft skid after wing cutter impact. Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

CID (Controlled Imact Demonstrator) Aircraft prior to wing cutter impact during lakebed skid. EC84-31805

CID (Controlled Imact Demonstrator) Aircraft prior to wing cutter impa...

CID (Controlled Imact Demonstrator) Aircraft prior to wing cutter impact during lakebed skid.

CID (Controlled Imact Demonstrator) Aircraft fireball after wing cutter impact. EC84-31809

CID (Controlled Imact Demonstrator) Aircraft fireball after wing cutte...

CID (Controlled Imact Demonstrator) Aircraft fireball after wing cutter impact. Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

CID (Controlled Imact Demonstrator) Aircraft in practice flight above target impact site with wing cutters. EC84-31672A

CID (Controlled Imact Demonstrator) Aircraft in practice flight above ...

CID (Controlled Imact Demonstrator) Aircraft in practice flight above target impact site with wing cutters.

CID (Controlled Imact Demonstrator) Aircraft fireball after wing cutter impact. EC84-31808

CID (Controlled Imact Demonstrator) Aircraft fireball after wing cutte...

CID (Controlled Imact Demonstrator) Aircraft fireball after wing cutter impact. Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Range : 2.77 million miles (1.72 million miles) resolution : 51 km. (32 mi.) P-29495C This Voyager 2 photograph of the outermost Uranian satellite, Oberon is a computer reconstruction of three frames , exposed through the narrow angle camera's blue, green, and orange filters. the grayness or apparent lack of strong color is a distinctive characteristic of the satellites and the rings of Uranus and can serve as one indicator of the possible composition of the satellites' surfaces. Oberon has a diameter of about 1,600 km. (1,000 mi.) and orbits the planet at a radial distance of 586,000 km. (364,000 mi.). Oberon's surface displays areas of lighter and darker material, probably associated in part with impact craters formed during its long exposure to bombardment by cosmic debris. Thr resolution of this particular image is not sufficient, however, to reveal with confidece the nature of these features. ARC-1986-AC86-7012

Range : 2.77 million miles (1.72 million miles) resolution : 51 km. (...

Range : 2.77 million miles (1.72 million miles) resolution : 51 km. (32 mi.) P-29495C This Voyager 2 photograph of the outermost Uranian satellite, Oberon is a computer reconstruction of three frames , expose... More

Range : 147,000 km. ( 91,000 mi. ) Resolution : 2.7 km. ( 1.7 mi. ) P-29524C this Voyager 2 color image of the Uranian satellite, Miranda is a composite of three shots taken through green, violet, and ultraviolet filters from the narrow angle camera. It is the best color image of Miranda returned to date. Miranda, just 480 km. (300 mi.) across, is the smallest of Uranus' five major satellites. Miranda's regional geologic provinces show very well in this view of the southern hemisphere. The dark and bright banded region, with its curvilinear traces, covers about half of the image. Higher resolution pictures taken later show many fault lines valleys and ridges parallel to these bands. Near the terminator (at right), another system of ridges and valleys abuts the banded terrain, while many impact craters pockmark the surface in this region. The largest of these are about 30 km. (20 mi.) in diameter. Many more lie in the range of 5 to 10 km. (3 to 6 mi.) in diameter ARC-1986-AC86-7040

Range : 147,000 km. ( 91,000 mi. ) Resolution : 2.7 km. ( 1.7 mi. ) ...

Range : 147,000 km. ( 91,000 mi. ) Resolution : 2.7 km. ( 1.7 mi. ) P-29524C this Voyager 2 color image of the Uranian satellite, Miranda is a composite of three shots taken through green, violet, and ultravi... More

P-29521 BW Range: 557,000 kilometers ( 346, 000 miles) The southern hemisphere of Umbriel displays heavy cratering in this Voyager 2 image. This frame, taken through the clear-filter of Voyager's narrow-angle camera, is the most detailed image of Umbriel, with a resolution of about 10 km (6 mi). Umbriel is the darkest of Uranus' larger moons and the one that appears to have experienced the lowest level of geological activity. It has a diameter of about 1,200 km (750 mi) and reflects only 16 percent of the light striking its surface; in the latter respect, Umbriel is similiar to lunar highland areas. Umbriel is heavily cratered but lacks the numerous bright-ray craters seen on the other large Uranian satellites; this results in a relatively uniform surface albedo (reflectivity). The prominent crater on the terminator (upper right) is about 110 km (70 mi) across and has a bright central peak. The strangest feature in this image (at top) is a curious bright ring, the most reflective area seen on Umbriel. The ring is about 140 km (90 mi) in diameter and lies near the satellite's equator. The nature of the ring is not known, although it might be a frost deposit, perhaps associated with an impact crater. Spots against the black background are due to 'noise' in the data. ARC-1986-A86-7037

P-29521 BW Range: 557,000 kilometers ( 346, 000 miles) The southern he...

P-29521 BW Range: 557,000 kilometers ( 346, 000 miles) The southern hemisphere of Umbriel displays heavy cratering in this Voyager 2 image. This frame, taken through the clear-filter of Voyager's narrow-angle c... More

P-29522BW Range: 369,000 kilometers (229,000 miles) This is the highest-resolution picture of Titania returned by Voyager 2. The picture is a composite of two images taken through the clear-filter of Voyager's narrow-angle camera. The resolution of this image is 13 km (8 mi). Titania is the largest satellite of Uranus, with a diameter of little more than 1,600 km (1,000 mi). Abundant impact craters of many sizes pockmark the ancient surface. The most prominant features are fault valleys that stretch across Titania. They are up to 1,500 km (nearly 1,000 mi) long and as much as 75 km (45 mi) wide. In valleys seen at right center, the sunward-facing walls are very bright. While this is due partly to the lighting angle, the brightness also indicates the presence of a lighter material, possibly young frost deposits. An impact crater more than 200 km (125 mi) in diameter distinguishes the very bottom of the disk; the crater is cut by a younger fault valley more than 100 km (60 mi) wide. An even larger impact crater, perhaps 300 km (180 mi) across, is visible at top. ARC-1986-A86-7038

P-29522BW Range: 369,000 kilometers (229,000 miles) This is the highes...

P-29522BW Range: 369,000 kilometers (229,000 miles) This is the highest-resolution picture of Titania returned by Voyager 2. The picture is a composite of two images taken through the clear-filter of Voyager's ... More

P-29502C Range: 1.04 million kilometers (650,000 miles) This color photo of Umbriel, the darkest of Uranus' five large moons was synthesized from frames exposed with the Voyager narrow-angle camera's violet and clear filters and has a resolution of 19 km (12 mi.). Umbriel is characterized by the darkest surface and smallest brightness variations of any of the large satellites of Uranus. As seen here, the surface is also generally gray and colorless. Nevertheless, at this resolution, considerable topographic detail is revealed, showing that Umbriel's surface is covered by impact craters. The brightest spot (shown at top near the equator at approxiamately 270 ° longitude) appears as a bright ring. Its geological significance is not yet understood. Umbriel has a diameter of about 1,200 km (750 miles) and orbits 267,000 km (166,000 mi) from Uranus' center. The satellite's name, from Alexander Pope's 'Rape of the Lock,' means 'dark angel'. ARC-1986-AC86-7018

P-29502C Range: 1.04 million kilometers (650,000 miles) This color pho...

P-29502C Range: 1.04 million kilometers (650,000 miles) This color photo of Umbriel, the darkest of Uranus' five large moons was synthesized from frames exposed with the Voyager narrow-angle camera's violet and... More

P-29504BW Range: 500,000 kilometers (300,000 miles) This full-disk view of Uranus' moon Titania in the early morning hours, a clear-filter image returned by the Voyager narrow-angle camera, shows many circular depressions-probably impact craters. Other bright spots are distinguished by radiating rays and are probably halo craters that mark relatively more recent impacts. Even more interesting are the linear troughs (right) that are probably fault canyons. The troughs break the crust in two directions, an indication of some tectonic extension of Titania's crust. These features indicate that this icy satellite has a dynamic, active interior. Titania is about 1,600 km (1,000 mi) in diameter; the resolution of this image is about 9 km (6 mi). ARC-1986-A86-7020

P-29504BW Range: 500,000 kilometers (300,000 miles) This full-disk vi...

P-29504BW Range: 500,000 kilometers (300,000 miles) This full-disk view of Uranus' moon Titania in the early morning hours, a clear-filter image returned by the Voyager narrow-angle camera, shows many circula... More

P-29512 BW Range: 36,000 kilometers (22,000 miles) Miranda, innermost of Uranus' large satellites, is seen at close range as part of a Voyager 2 high-resolution mosaicking sequence. This clear-filter, narrow-angle image shows an area about 250 km (150 mi) across, at a resolution of about 800 meters (2,600 feet). Two distinct terrain types are visible; a rugged, higher-elevation terrain (right) and a lower, striated terrain. Numerous craters on the rugged, higher terain indicate that it is older than the lower terrain. Several scarps, probably faults, cut the different terrains. The impact crater in the lower part of this image is about 25 km (15 mi) across. ARC-1986-A86-7028

P-29512 BW Range: 36,000 kilometers (22,000 miles) Miranda, innermost ...

P-29512 BW Range: 36,000 kilometers (22,000 miles) Miranda, innermost of Uranus' large satellites, is seen at close range as part of a Voyager 2 high-resolution mosaicking sequence. This clear-filter, narrow-an... More

P-29513 BW Range: 31,000 kilometers (19,000 miles) This Voyager 2 image of Miranda was taken shortly before the spacecraft's closet approach to the Uranian moon.The high resolution of 600 meters (2,000 feet) reveals a bewildering variety of fractures, grooves and craters, as well as features of different albedos (reflectances). This clear-filter, narrow-angle view encompasses areas of older, heavily cratered terrain with a wide variety of forms. The grooves and troughs reach depths of a few kilometers and expose materials of different albedos. The great variety of directions of fracture and troughs, and the different densities of impact craters on them, signify a long, complex geologic evolution of this satellite. ARC-1986-A86-7029

P-29513 BW Range: 31,000 kilometers (19,000 miles) This Voyager 2 imag...

P-29513 BW Range: 31,000 kilometers (19,000 miles) This Voyager 2 image of Miranda was taken shortly before the spacecraft's closet approach to the Uranian moon.The high resolution of 600 meters (2,000 feet) re... More

P-29518 BW Range: 130,000 kilometers (80,000 miles) This highest-resolution Voyager 2 view of Ariel's terminator shows a complex array of transecting valleys with superimposed impact craters. This clear-filter, narrow-angle view has a resolution of about 2.4 km (1.5 mi). Particularly striking to Voyager scientists is the fact that the faults that bound the linear valleys are not visible where they transect one another across the valleys. Apparently these valleys were filled with deposits sometime after they were formed by tectonic processes, leaving them flat and smooth. Sinuous rilles (trenches) later formed, probably by some flow process. Some type of fluid flow may well have been involved in their evolution. ARC-1986-A86-7034

P-29518 BW Range: 130,000 kilometers (80,000 miles) This highest-resol...

P-29518 BW Range: 130,000 kilometers (80,000 miles) This highest-resolution Voyager 2 view of Ariel's terminator shows a complex array of transecting valleys with superimposed impact craters. This clear-filter,... More

P-29515 BW Range: 42,000 kilometers (26,000 miles) This image of Miranda, obtained by Voyager 2 on approach, shows an unusual 'chevron' figure and regions of distinctly differing terrain on the Uranian moon. Grooved areas baring light and dark bands, distinct from other areas of mottled terrain, are visible at this resolution of about 600 meters (2,000 feet). The bright V-shaped feature in the grooved areas is the 'cheron' observed in earlier, lower-resolution images. Cutting across the bands are sinuous scarps, probably faults. Superimposed on both types of terrain are many bowl-shaped impact craters less than 5 km (3 mi) wide. The entire picture spans an area about 220 km (140 mi) across. ARC-1986-A86-7031

P-29515 BW Range: 42,000 kilometers (26,000 miles) This image of Miran...

P-29515 BW Range: 42,000 kilometers (26,000 miles) This image of Miranda, obtained by Voyager 2 on approach, shows an unusual 'chevron' figure and regions of distinctly differing terrain on the Uranian moon. Gr... More

HFF (Hypervelocity Free-Flight) N-237 Impact Studies (For JSC) ARC-1969-AC87-0061-4

HFF (Hypervelocity Free-Flight) N-237 Impact Studies (For JSC) ARC-196...

HFF (Hypervelocity Free-Flight) N-237 Impact Studies (For JSC)

HFF (Hypervelocity Free-Flight) N-237 Impact Studies (For JSC) ARC-1969-AC87-0061-1

HFF (Hypervelocity Free-Flight) N-237 Impact Studies (For JSC) ARC-196...

HFF (Hypervelocity Free-Flight) N-237 Impact Studies (For JSC)

P-34687 Range : 530,000 km. ( 330,000 miles ) Smallest Resolvable Feature : 10 km or 6 miles This Voyager 2 image of Neptune's satellite Triton shows the first photo of Triton to reveal surface topography. The south pole, continuously illuminated by sunlight at this season, ia at bottom left. the boundary between bright southern hemisphere and the darker and the darker, northern hemisphere is clearly visible. Both the darker regions to the north and the very bright sub-equatorial band show a complex pattern of irregular topography that somewhat resembles 'fretted terrain' on parts of Venus and Mars. The pattern of dark and light regions over most of the southern hemisphere will require higher resolution images for interpretation. Also evident are long, straight lines that appear to be surface expressions of internal, tectonic processes. No large impact ctaters are visible, suggesting that the crust of Triton has been renewed relatively recently, that is, within the last bllion years or less. ARC-1989-A89-7025

P-34687 Range : 530,000 km. ( 330,000 miles ) Smallest Resolvable Fea...

P-34687 Range : 530,000 km. ( 330,000 miles ) Smallest Resolvable Feature : 10 km or 6 miles This Voyager 2 image of Neptune's satellite Triton shows the first photo of Triton to reveal surface topography. Th... More

P-34692 Range : 500 km. ( 300 miles ) Smallest Resolvable Feature : 900 m. or 2,700 ft. Part of Triton's complex geological history canbe seen in this image, shot by Voyager 2. Part of a sequence, it shows a surface dominated by many roughly circular, polygonal, and arcuate features between 30 and 50 km (18 and 30 miles ) across. Some resemble degraded impact craters of Mars, while others resemble the 'palimpsest' features of Jupiter's satellite Ganymede. Peculiar intersecting, double ridged lines are 15 to 20 km. or 9 to 12 miles wide and hundreds of kilometers long. Theyresemble some deformational belts of Ganymede. Patches of plainsforming material tend to occur in local depressions. The geologic features of Triton and spectroscopic information indicates that the surface of Triton is underlain by a mixture of ices. ARC-1989-A89-7030

P-34692 Range : 500 km. ( 300 miles ) Smallest Resolvable Feature : ...

P-34692 Range : 500 km. ( 300 miles ) Smallest Resolvable Feature : 900 m. or 2,700 ft. Part of Triton's complex geological history canbe seen in this image, shot by Voyager 2. Part of a sequence, it shows a... More

P-34668 This narrow angled image of Neptune's Triton, part of a sequence recieved from Voyager 2 shows a large flooded basin about 200 km. or 120 miles wide and 400 km. or 240 miles long. It appears to have been formed chiefly by two large, ancient craters. The walls of the basin have retreated, possibly as a consequence of sapping or collapse into the fluid that filled the main floor. The vent from which the flood evidently erupted lies near the right hand end of the basin. The surface of the eruptive material is rough near the vent and along the center of the basin, perhaps as a consequence of the presence of large rafts of ice. The absence of resolved impact craters on the floor of the basin indicatyes a young age for the flood. ARC-1989-A89-7028

P-34668 This narrow angled image of Neptune's Triton, part of a sequen...

P-34668 This narrow angled image of Neptune's Triton, part of a sequence recieved from Voyager 2 shows a large flooded basin about 200 km. or 120 miles wide and 400 km. or 240 miles long. It appears to have bee... More

Range : 40,000 km (24,8000 mi.) This picture of Triton is a mosaic of the highest resolution images taken by Voyager 2. The mosaic is superimposed on the lower-resolution mapping images taken about 2 hours earlier in order to fill in gaps between high-resolution images. The smallest features that can be seen on the images are about 0.8 km (0.5 mi.) across. The terminator (line separation day and night) is at the top of the picture and is centered at about 30 degrees north latitude and 330 degrees longitude. These highest-resolution images were targeted for the terminator region to show details of the topography by the shadows it casts. Near the center of the picture is a depression filled with smooth plains that are probably ices which were once erupted in a fluid state. The depth of the depression is about 300 meters (900 feet) and the prominent fresh impact crater on its floor is about 20 km (12 mi.) in diameter and about 1 km (0.6 mi.) deep. On the right is a elongate crater with adjacent dark deposits about it. This feature may be an explosive eruption vent formed by gaps within the ice. The linear structure on the lest is probably a fracture along which fresh ice has been extruded. ARC-1989-A89-7063

Range : 40,000 km (24,8000 mi.) This picture of Triton is a mosaic of...

Range : 40,000 km (24,8000 mi.) This picture of Triton is a mosaic of the highest resolution images taken by Voyager 2. The mosaic is superimposed on the lower-resolution mapping images taken about 2 hours ea... More

P-34689 Range : 130,000 km. ( 80,000 miles ) Smallest Resolvable Feature : 2.5 km or 1.5 miles This image of Neptune's moon Triton, shot by Voyager 2, is seen here. The long linear feature exteding vertically across the image is probably a graben -- a norrow down-dropped fault block about 35 km. or 20 miles across. The ridge in the center of the graben. The surrounding terrain is a relatively young icy surface with few impact craters. ARC-1989-A89-7026

P-34689 Range : 130,000 km. ( 80,000 miles ) Smallest Resolvable Feat...

P-34689 Range : 130,000 km. ( 80,000 miles ) Smallest Resolvable Feature : 2.5 km or 1.5 miles This image of Neptune's moon Triton, shot by Voyager 2, is seen here. The long linear feature exteding vertically... More

P-34692 Range : 500 km. ( 300 miles ) Smallest Resolvable Feature : 900 m. or 2,700 ft. Part of Triton's complex geological history canbe seen in this image, shot by Voyager 2. Part of a sequence, this photograph encompasses two depressions, possibly old impact basins, that have been extensively modified by floodind, melting, faulting, and collapse. Several episodes of filling and partial removal of material appear to have occurred. The rough area in the middle of the bottom depression probably marks the most recent eruption of material. Only a few impact craters dot the area, which shows the dominance of internally driven geologic processes on Triton. ARC-1989-A89-7029

P-34692 Range : 500 km. ( 300 miles ) Smallest Resolvable Feature : ...

P-34692 Range : 500 km. ( 300 miles ) Smallest Resolvable Feature : 900 m. or 2,700 ft. Part of Triton's complex geological history canbe seen in this image, shot by Voyager 2. Part of a sequence, this photog... More

Voyager II Imagery, Neptune: This is one of the most detailed views of the surface of Triton taken by Voyager 2 on its flyby of the large satellite of Neptune early in the morning of August 25, 1989. The picture was stored on the tape recorder and relayed to Earth later. Taken from a distanT ce of only 40,000 km (25, 000 miles), the frame is about 220 kilometers (140 miles) across and shows details as small as 750 meters (0.5 miles). Most of the area is covered by a peculiar landscape of roughly circular depressions separated by rugged ridges. This type of terrain, which covers large tracts of Triton's northern hemisphere, is unlike anything seen elsewhere in the solar system. The depressions are probably not impact craters: They are too similar in size and too regularly spaced. Their origin is still unknown, but may involve local melting and collapse of the icy surface. A conspicuous set of grooves and ridges cuts across the landscape, indicating fracturing and deformation of Triton's surface. The rarity of impact craters suggests a young surface by solar-system standards, probably less than a few billion years old. The Voyager Mission is conducted by JPL for NASA's Office of Space Science and Applications. (JPL ref: P-34722 Voyager N-60 ) ARC-1989-AC89-7055

Voyager II Imagery, Neptune: This is one of the most detailed views of...

Voyager II Imagery, Neptune: This is one of the most detailed views of the surface of Triton taken by Voyager 2 on its flyby of the large satellite of Neptune early in the morning of August 25, 1989. The pictur... More

P-34681 Range: 870,000 kilometers (540,000 miles) This image of Neptune's irregularly-shaped satellite 1989N1 taken by Voyager 2 shows a resolution of 8 kilometers (5 miles) per pixel. The satellite has an average radius of about 200 kilometers (120 miles) and is uniformly dark with an albedo of about 6 percent. The irregular shape suggests that 1989N1 has been cold and rigid throughout its history and subject to significant impact cratering. ARC-1989-A89-7034

P-34681 Range: 870,000 kilometers (540,000 miles) This image of Neptun...

P-34681 Range: 870,000 kilometers (540,000 miles) This image of Neptune's irregularly-shaped satellite 1989N1 taken by Voyager 2 shows a resolution of 8 kilometers (5 miles) per pixel. The satellite has an aver... More

P-34713 This Voyager image of Triton reveals two kinds of mid-latitude terrain. Near the center and the lower half of the frame is a gently rolling terrain pock-marked with a modest number of impact craters. The density of impact craters is somewhat similiar to that found on the mare surface of Earth's moon. Crossing this rolling surface are narrow rifts, one of which grades into a chain of craters that probably are of collapse origin. In the upper right part of the frame is a smooth terrain with very sparse impact craters. This terrain evidently has been formed by flooding of the surface by low-viscosity fluids rather late in geologic time. One of the vents from which these fluids erupted probably is represented by a deep, elongate crater near the middle of the right side of the image. Two slightly dark regions underlain by late eruptive material also occur in the left half of the image. Apparent vents for these eruptions are marked by shallow depressiions, which may have been formed by drain back of material at the end of the eruptive episode. ARC-1989-A89-7048

P-34713 This Voyager image of Triton reveals two kinds of mid-latitude...

P-34713 This Voyager image of Triton reveals two kinds of mid-latitude terrain. Near the center and the lower half of the frame is a gently rolling terrain pock-marked with a modest number of impact craters. Th... More

P-34717 Range: 80,000 kilometers (50,000 miles) This image taken by Voyager 2 of Neptune's largest satellite, Triton, shows an area in the northern hemisphere. The Sun is just above the horizon, so features cast shadows that accentuate height differences. The large, smooth area in the right-hand side of the image shows a single, fresh, impact crater. Otherwise there is no evidence of impacts such as those that have pocked the faces of most of the satellites Voyager 2 has visited. Many low cliffs in the area, bright where they face the Sun, and dark when they face away from it, suggest an intricate history for Triton. The cliffs might be due either to melting of surface materials or, possibly, caused by unusual fluid materials that flowed sometime in Triton's past. ARC-1989-A89-7051

P-34717 Range: 80,000 kilometers (50,000 miles) This image taken by Vo...

P-34717 Range: 80,000 kilometers (50,000 miles) This image taken by Voyager 2 of Neptune's largest satellite, Triton, shows an area in the northern hemisphere. The Sun is just above the horizon, so features cas... More

This image shows a comparison between a Magellan image (right) and the highest resolution Earth-based radar image of Venus, obtained by the US National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center's Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. The small white bot in the Arecibo image on the left corresponds to the Magellan image. This portion of a Magellan radar image strip shows a small region on the east flank of a major volcanic upland called Beta Regio. The image is centered a t 23 degrees north latitude and 286.7 degrees east longitude. The ridge and valley network in the middle part of the image is formed by intersecting faults which have broken the Venusian crust into a complex deformed type of surface called tessera, the Latin word for tile. The parallel mountains and valleys resemble the Basin and Range Province kn the western United States. The irregular dark patch near the top of the image is a smooth surface, proboably formed by lava flows in a region about 10 km (6 mi.) across. Similar dark surfaces within the valleys indicate lava flows that are younger than the tessera. The Arecibo image contains probable impact craters, mapped in detail by Magellan. The Magellan image has a resolution of 120 meters, (400 feet). The image segment is 20 km (12.4 mi.) wide adn 150 km (90 mi.) long. The Arecibo image has a resolution of 1-3 km (0.6-1.8 mi.) and is approx. 900 km (550 mi.) across. ARC-1990-A90-3002

This image shows a comparison between a Magellan image (right) and the...

This image shows a comparison between a Magellan image (right) and the highest resolution Earth-based radar image of Venus, obtained by the US National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center's Arecibo Observatory in P... More

This Magellan image mosaic shows the impact crater Golubkina, first identified in Soviet Venera 15/16 data. The crater is names after Anna Golubkina (1864-1927), a Soviet sculptor. The crater is about 34 km (20.4 mi.) across, similar to the size of the West Clearwater impact structure in Canada. The crater Golubkina is located at about 60.5 degrees north latitude, 286.7 degrees est longitude. Magellan data reveal that Golubkina has many characteristics typical of craters formed by a mereorite impact including terraced inner walls, a central peak, and radar-bright rough ejecta surrounding the crater. The extreme darkness of the crater floor indicates a smooth surface, perhaps formed by the ponding of lava flows in the crater floor as seen in may lunar impact craters. The radar-bright ejecta surrounding the crater indicates a relatively fresh or young crater. Craters with centeral peaks in the Soviet data range in size from about 10-60 km (6-36 mi.) across. The largest crater identifed in the Soviet Venera data is 140 km (84 mi) in diameter. This Magellan image strip in approx. 100 km (62 mi.) long. The image is a mosaic of two orbits obtained in the first Magellan radar test and played back to Earth to the Deep Space Network stations near Goldstone, CA and Canberra, Australia, respectively. The resolution of this image is approximately 120 meters (400 feet). The see-saw margins result from the offset of individual radar frames obtained along the orbit. The spacecraft moved from the north (top) to the south, looking to the left. ARC-1990-A90-3003

This Magellan image mosaic shows the impact crater Golubkina, first id...

This Magellan image mosaic shows the impact crater Golubkina, first identified in Soviet Venera 15/16 data. The crater is names after Anna Golubkina (1864-1927), a Soviet sculptor. The crater is about 34 km (... More

Previous

of 17

Next