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When Saturn eclipses the sun

Posted by in Today's Image | July 2, 2013

In 2006, the Cassini spacecraft saw Saturn eclipse the sun. These eclipses are rare, but another is due to happen on July 19, 2013.

Saturn eclipsing the sun, as seen by Cassini spacecraft in 2006. More about this image. Credit: CICLOPS, JPL, ESA, NASA

Saturn eclipsing the sun, as seen by Cassini spacecraft, in the year 2006. More about this image. Image via CICLOPS, JPL, ESA, NASA

We humans have acquired only two images of Earth from the outer solar system – ever. Soon we’ll have a third, thanks to a Saturn eclipse that’s coming up on July 19, 2013. On that day, as the sun’s brilliant light is blocked by Saturn, Cassini will attempt to get the third-ever photo of Earth taken from the outer solar system.

See the first two photos of Earth from deep space – and learn more about the July 19 Saturn eclipse – here.

Deborah Byrd

Deborah Byrd

Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.

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