NASA’s Cassini probe transmits closest pictures of Saturn’s atmosphere after successful dive

NASA’s Cassini spacecraft has survived its unprecedented dive between Saturn and its innermost rings, sending back data that includes photos providing the closest look yet at the planet’s atmosphere.

Cassini began its dip on Wednesday night (AEST) but could not make contact for almost 24 hours while its antenna was facing away from Earth.

The spacecraft’s big dish antenna served as a shield as it hurtled through the narrow gap, temporarily cutting off communications.

Scientists were jubilant when the probe sent its first signals yesterday afternoon — proving it had survived — accompanied by the first raw images.

Scientists say the pictures show details never seen before, including a gigantic swirling hurricane at Saturn’s north pole.

“In the grandest tradition of exploration, NASA’s Cassini spacecraft has once again blazed a trail, showing us new wonders and demonstrating where our curiosity can take us if we dare,” NASA’s planetary science director Jim Green said.

“We are just ecstatic,” project science engineer Jo Pitesky said. “Saturn continues to surprise us.”

During its dive, Cassini skimmed about 3,000 kilometres above Saturn’s cloud tops, closer than ever before, and within 300km of the innermost visible edges of its rings, NASA said.

Cassini project manager Earl Maize said extra precautions were taken for the historic mission.

READ MORE HERE: NASA’s Cassini probe transmits closest pictures of Saturn’s atmosphere after successful dive – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)