Today on Google's home page is a special spacecraft Doodle, Google logo, to mark when the Cassini spacecraft begins taking photos and measurements between Saturn and its rings. Today, April 26, the spacecraft will make the first in a series of dives through the 1,500-mile-wide (2,400-kilometer) gap between Saturn and its rings as part of the mission's grand finale.
The Doodle on Google's home page was designed by Nate Swinehart, here is the animated version:
Google wrote:
By plunging into this fascinating frontier, Cassini will help scientists learn more about the origins, mass, and age of Saturn's rings, as well as the mysteries of the gas giant's interior. And of course there will be breathtaking additions to Cassini's already stunning photo gallery. Cassini recently revealed some secrets of Saturn's icy moon Enceladus -- including conditions friendly to life! Who knows what marvels this hardy explorer will uncover in the final chapter of its mission?
Google also posted on that page an alternative Google Doodle that didn't make the final cut for the home page.
Forum discussion at Google+.
