13 Iconic Space Photos That Redefined Human Perspective

7. Saturn's Rings: The Cassini Legacy

The Cassini spacecraft, which orbited Saturn from 2004 to 2017, captured stunning images of the planet's rings and moons. One of the most iconic is the backlit view of Saturn, showing its rings illuminated by the Sun. These images revealed the rings' intricate structure and dynamic nature, providing insights into their origin and evolution. Cassini's observations also led to the discovery of active geysers on the moon Enceladus, hinting at the possibility of subsurface oceans and potential habitability. The mission's legacy continues to influence planetary science and our understanding of the solar system.