On Tuesday, June 16, NASA’s Cassini space probe went very close to Dione, Saturn’s satellite. Stunning shots of the Dione craters were taken. The distance that the device separated from the satellite was only 516 km. It was Dione's fourth flyby, but not the closest. On December 12, 2011, the spacecraft approached 99 kilometers from Dion. Photos of the craters by scientists were obtained earlier, but then the device was located at a distance of 77,000 kilometers from the object.
This is the last but one approach to Dione, before the Cassini mission enters its final stage. There are preparatory work for the exit of the ship into orbit of Saturn. This will give scientists a more in-depth study of the gas giant's rings that surround it. But the most interesting thing is still to come, after Dione the spacecraft will approach Enceladus. This is one of the most mysterious satellites of Saturn. The distance separating Cassini from the surface of the icy Moon will be only 48 kilometers. It is now known that on Enceladus a liquid ocean hides under an ice crust. And through the system of polar geysers, the satellite throws steam into space. Scientists hope to use this passage of the ship, for further study of the composition of steam.
