Projects: Space Information
The Planetary Report
Volume XXIV, Number 4, July/August 2004
Credit: Larry Esposito, University of Colorado / JPL / NASA |
On the Cover
This color rendition of Saturn’s rings was constructed from data returned
by Cassini’s Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph just after the
spacecraft went into orbit on July 1, 2004. The Cassini division in faint
red at left is followed by the A ring, which begins with an interior of red
followed by more turquoise as it spreads away from the planet. Turquoise represents
denser material made up of ice. The red band at right is the Encke gap.
From The Editor
Every day, those who follow the adventures of our robotic explorers among
the planets have something new to see and learn. On the Internet, images from
Mars, Saturn, and other strange new worlds are posted regularly. At scientific
conferences, scientists jostle each other to give papers on their latest work,
and journals are filled with papers announcing new results. Seldom have Earthly
explorers seen such a trove of discoveries.
When bringing these discoveries to Planetary Society members, it’s
often hard to decide what is most important to include in this magazine. Do
we bring you breaking news at the expense of thoughtful historical pieces?
Do we focus on the politics behind planetary missions or concentrate on hard
science?
The answer to our questions is "all of the above," just spread out
among many issues. We also have another matter to consider: at The Planetary
Society, we are always looking to the future. So in this issue, along with
a report on Cassini’s initial discoveries at Saturn, we bring
you considerations for future Mars exploration, when humans join robots on
the Red Planet.
It’s always a juggling act when there’s so much to cover. That’s
the downside of today’s rich state of planetary exploration. It’s
one we’re glad to deal with, and one we will fight to keep us busy for
the next 25 years.
— Charlene M. Anderson
Features
Planetary Protection—Can’t Leave Home Without It
When thinking about sending humans to Mars, it is in our nature to question:
could these organic explorers contaminate the Martian environment? Conversely,
when they return to Earth, could astronauts inadvertently expose terrestrial
life to extraterrestrial biohazards? Margaret Race, an ecologist specializing
in planetary protection, ponders these questions and works to ensure that
the environments of both Mars and the Earth are protected.
Cassini-Huygens' New Home—The First Days in Saturn’s
Orbit
Cassini-Huygens has begun its four-year tour of the spectacular
ringed planet and its dozens of moons. Just hours after passing between
two Saturnian rings and settling into orbit around the planet, Cassini began
returning the best images ever taken of the magnificent system. Here we
showcase some of these first postcards from its new home, some 934 million
miles away.
The 2004 Shoemaker NEO Grants—Send in Those Applications!
It’s time for a new round of Shoemaker NEO Grants, funded entirely by
donations from Planetary Society members. So far, 17 grants totaling more
than $120,000 have helped observers discover and track countless near-Earth
objects. Planetary scientist Dan Durda, who administers the program for the
Society, explains how the field of NEO research is changing and calls for
the next round of applicants.
DEPARTMENTS
Members’ Dialogue
We Make It Happen!
Society News
World Watch
Questions and Answers
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