NASA sent their Cassini probe into space on October 15, 1997, to study Saturn and its renowned ring systems. In May 2005, the robotic spacecraft began a series of radio occultation experiments to measure the size-distribution of particles in Saturn’s rings, taking photographs in the process. After four months of testing, the results were pinged back to Earth and NASA scientists were stunned.
Brian Cox revealed during his BBC series “The Planets” how data showed the rings were much younger than previously thought.
He said last month: “After its 3.5 billion-kilometre journey, Cassini was now able to see Saturn’s rings like never before.
“What’s more, during its long stay at Saturn, Cassini would be able to take physical samples for the very first time.
“By measuring the way the dust from the Solar System falls on to the rings, Cassini made a startling discovery.
“If the rings have been around Saturn for billions of years, they should have been darkened and dimmed by the dust.”
Dr Cox went on to detail how they determined the true age of the rings.
He added: “But they are pristine and bright and the reason is because they are young.
“Nearly 4.5 billion years younger than Saturn itself.
“The mystery of the origin of the rings is an active area of research.
“The evidence Cassini delivered hints that the solution lies not with the planet itself, but with the world’s tracked in orbit around it – Saturn’s moons.”
Dr Cox also explained how Saturn’s system tells a story about its past.
He continued: “Saturn has 62 large moons and countless smaller ones – we’re still discovering them.
“So it’s like a mini solar system in itself and the moons range in size from planetary-size objects, like Titan, to small irregular lumps of rock.
“There’s so much diversity in size and form and surface features, that the whole system is like a history book.
“If we learn to read it we will learn Saturn has had a very violent and changeable past.”
Three years later, Cassini made what has been dubbed “the greatest discovery of the century” when it passed within 30 miles of the moon Enceladus.
Dr Cox explained why during the same episode, adding: “What we found beneath Enceladus’ shell of ice must rank as one of the greatest discoveries in 21st-century space exploration.
“But it was a discovery that had been hiding in plain sight.
“As Cassini approached Enceladus, the anomaly revealed itself.
“Giant plumes of water vapour and ice were erupting from its surface.
“Over 200kg of material was being released every second.”
