Astronomy Picture of the Day ·

Moons, Rings, Shadows, Clouds: Saturn (Cassini)

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for June 16, 2026 is “Moons, Rings, Shadows, Clouds: Saturn (Cassini),” an image. It is credited to Image Credit: NASA , JPL-Caltech , Space Science Institute. The original explanation runs about 117 words.

Saturn is shown up close with its ring plane running up diagonally from the lower right. Two small moons are visible. Near the top of the planet are large dark bands that are shadows of the rings onto Saturn's cloud tops. Please see the exp
Credit: Image Credit: NASA , JPL-Caltech , Space Science Institute Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the explanation

“While cruising around Saturn, be on the lookout for picturesque arrangements of moons, rings, and shadows. One such striking sight occurred in 2005 and was captured by the then Saturn-orbiting Cassini spacecraft.”

— APOD editors, June 16, 2026

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date
June 16, 2026
Type
Image
Credit
Credit: Image Credit: NASA , JPL-Caltech , Space Science Institute
Copyright
No copyright notice on the entry. Check the credited institution’s own usage rules before reusing it.
Explanation length
About 117 words

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Topics in this entry

Saturn

Topics are matched from words in the title and explanation.

On this day: June 16 in other years

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Source

Copy taken Oct 28, 2026, 2:39 AM EDT. The image and explanation belong to their creators. OpenOrbit is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA.