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Occultation of GSC5249-01240 by Saturn and its Rings

During an occultation of a star by a planet, the planet passes between the star and the observer. The star then becomes a "probe" of the planet, allowing scientists to determine the temperature and composition of the occulting planet's atmosphere and the structure of its ring system.
- Release DateJune 5, 1995
- Science ReleaseHubble Views Saturn Ring-Plane Crossing
- Credit
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Sequence Shows Saturn's Rings Edge-On
This sequence of images from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope documents a rare astronomical alignment – Saturn's magnificent ring system turned edge-on. This occurs when the Earth passes through Saturn's ring plane, as it does approximately every 15 years. These pictures were taken...

Hubble Views Saturn Ring-Plane Crossing
This sequence of images from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope documents a rare astronomical alignment - Saturn's magnificent ring system turned edge-on. This occurs when the Earth passes through Saturn's ring plane, as it does approximately every 15 years. These pictures were taken...
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Last Updated
Mar 28, 2025
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Claire Andreoli
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland
claire.andreoli@nasa.gov